Ornithology of the Gold Coast . 49 
to be similar to those of the Rollers in general. It is not so 
shy as E. gularis, and perhaps not so common. 
25. Eurystomus gularis (V.): Sharpe,, p. 5. 
In the breaks and clearings of the Fantee forests, in corn¬ 
fields, and in sweet-potato patches, the Blue-throated Roller 
is generally a prominent object. Perched in solitude upon a 
naked twig, in the centre of a clear space, if possible, he will 
sit for hours, only quitting his post for an instant to capture 
some passing prey. His movements at times resemble those 
of a Hawk, as he will occasionally remain suspended in the 
air for a short period, hovering about from one bush to 
another, but invariably returning to his original post after a 
time. He is by no means so handsome a bird as E. afer, 
and is much more difficult of approach. He is generally alone, 
whereas E. afer appear to be usually in pairs.- 
26. Ceryle rudis (L.): Sharpe, p. 6. 
This widely distributed species is very common in Fantee 
and pn the Gold Coast generally. Wherever there is water, 
fresh or salt, this industrous bird may be seen hovering at a 
short distance above the water and making occasional rapid 
dashes on its prey. I have frequently watched a pair from 
Government House at Accra, hawking over the surf, and pick¬ 
ing up waifs and strays brought in by the rollers, or now and 
then pouncing on an unwary fish. In the river Yolta they 
literally swarm, flying in batches out of the bushes as they 
become startled. Although not apparently gregarious, they 
are generally in such large quantities (in suitable localities) 
as to produce the impression of a small flock. I have occa¬ 
sionally, but rarely, met with a straggler at some distance 
from water; but, as a rule, they are not seen far from a river 
or pond of some kind. 
27. Ceryle maxima (Pall.): Sharpe, p. 6. 
This bird is met with on most of the rivers of the Gold 
Coast, and, indeed, of the Guinea coast generally, nearly al¬ 
ways in pairs. Their movements are very rapid for so heavy 
a bird. I have never seen them far from water, indeed 
never away from the overhanging bushes of the river-bank, 
ser. hi.—VOL. IV. 
E 
