29 
Ornithology of Cyprus. 
in holes in cliffs and in the walls of houses in 1901 and 1902. 
Glaszner sent numerous specimens to Madarasz taken in 
April, May, June, and September. Although Guillemard 
records its earliest vernal appearance on April the 3rd, 1888, 
I should say that that is an unusually early date. 
According to our observations the Roller does not as a 
rule arrive until the middle of April; the migration continues 
for about a month, and, at any rate, by the end of May those 
birds which have not settled down to nest have moved north ; 
the return migration takes place in September and early 
October. Our first date of arrival is April the 17th, and 
our last of departure October the 17th. It is most frequently 
noticed in mid-May and early October; and although Hors- 
brugh met with it on the Troodos foot-hills it is not, I think, 
found on the higher parts of the mountains. It is eaten by 
many local people. 
666. Merops apiaster Linn. 
The Bee-eater in its habits resembles the Roller, but 
instead of* being merely common is extremely abundant; it 
arrives in large numbers during April and May; the bulk 
leave towards the end of May, but a certain number 
remain to nest. The return migration takes place in Sep¬ 
tember, big flocks collecting at the end of that month, and 
soon disappearing. Our first date of its arrival is April the 
1st, but it is not abundant until ten days later ; our last note 
of it in autumn is October the 4th in the Famagusta district. 
The bird was recognised by Sibthorp; Muiler mentions 
handling 29 adult and 57 juvenile specimens ! Lord Lilford, 
who found it exceedingly common, states that it nests, but 
was assured—erroneously it may be added—that after nesting 
it left the island altogether before the middle of July; 
Guillemard found it breeding in company with the Roller 
iu the Papho district at the beginning of June 1887. Miss 
Bate pointed out the incorrect nature of Lord Lilford^s 
information as to its departure in mid-July. Glaszner 
sent Madarasz a number of specimens taken in June and 
September. 
