southern parts of Russia, particularly about the rivers Don 
andWolga, in the banks of which they build their nests; 
excavating the clayey banks so near to each other as to 
appear like a honey-comb ; their nest is composed of 
moss : the eggs are perfectly white, six or seven in num- 
ber, and about the size of those of the Starling." 
This bird has received the name of Bee-Eater from its 
feeding principally on Bees ; it also devours other kinds of 
winged insects, which it takes on wing in the manner of the 
Swallow. In Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Malta, the spe- 
cies is eaten as a dainty, and their markets are abundantly 
supplied with it. In a letter ft^om an intelligent military 
gentleman, stationed at Malta, we are informed the 
Bee-Eater generally breeds there, excavating holes in 
the sand till the bird arrives at the bare rock, where it 
deposits its eggs without any other nest ;" and, further, 
that it has two broods in the year. The young birds do 
not possess th^ long feathers in the tail till after the first 
moult. 
