BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster).
This handsome bird is an occasional visitor in the
summer, but must be considered irregular and rare.
Insects form its chief food, taken usually on the wing,
and in some districts much damage is inflicted on the
peasant's hives of bees. It usually breeds in com-
munities like the Sand Martin in holes excavated in
banks of rivers, etc.
(FOR ADDRESS ONLY).
