248 
Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall on 
not appear to frequent the river-banks, but occurs in small 
parties of three or four, settling on low trees and bushes in 
the open forest, far from water. I have never seen it flying 
high in the air, like the larger species. Stomachs contained 
grasshoppers and hymenoptera. 
117. Melittophagus meridionalis. (Little Bee-eater.) 
A common resident species, always found in proximity to 
water, generally in pairs, but occasionally in small flocks. 
Its flight is low and rarely sustained for any great distance, it 
being a fearless little bird. Stomachs contained small wasps 
and beetles. 
118. Merops apjaster. (European Bee-eater.) 
This is our only migratory Bee-eater, arriving from the 
north generally about November and breeding in colonies in 
the sandy banks of the larger rivers. It is usually seen in 
fairly large flocks, which occur on the outskirts of the bush, 
especially near water, and often soars to a considerable 
height. Stomachs contained hymenoptera, winged termites, 
and locusts. 
119. Merops natalensis. (Carmine-throated Bee-eater.) 
This lovely bird is very scarce near Salisbury, but is 
fairly plentiful in the lower veldt all round. In its habits it 
is very similar to the preceding species, but is an even more 
persistent high-flier. I have often found that lighting a 
grass-fire is an effectual way to draw them down to earth 
again, for they will come to hawk for insects in the smoke, 
like the Drongos. In November 1897 I saw a large colony 
nesting in holes in the sandy bank of the Odzi river in 
Manika. They are especially partial to the migratory locust, 
and I was much surprised to find in the stomach of one of 
them an example of a blister-beetle. 
120. Merops albterons. (White-fronted Bee-eater.) 
Obtained by Mr. Ayres on the Lower Hanyani river. 
121. Ceryle rtjdis. (Pied Kingfisher.) 
Fairly common, occurring in pairs along all the rivers. 
