Coracias benghalensis
The Indian Roller, *Coracias benghalensis*, is a captivating member of the roller family (Coraciidae), renowned for its spectacular aerial displays and vibrant plumage. Measuring 30-34 cm (12-13.4 in) in length with a wingspan of approximately 65-70 cm (25.5-27.5 in) and weighing 100-140 g (3.5-4.9 oz), its most striking feature is the brilliant azure and ultramarine blue visible on its wings during flight, contrasting with a dull brown back and purplish-rufous breast. Distinctive field marks...
Found in open country, cultivated areas, light woodlands, parkland, and rural gardens, preferring sparse tree cover and often near human habitation, typically below 1200 meters elevation.
Primarily feeds on large insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and locusts, but also consumes small vertebrates like lizards, frogs, snakes, and rodents, caught by swooping from a perch.
Indian Rollers are diurnal, spending much of the day conspicuously perched on elevated points like bare branches, telephone wires, or poles, scanning for prey. Their primary foraging strategy is 'perch-and-pounce,' where they spot prey from a vantage point and swoop down to the ground, returning ...
The Indian Roller has an expansive breeding and resident range across South Asia, extending from southeastern Iraq and parts of Iran and Afghanistan eastward through Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Two main subspecies are reco...
Least Concern
- The Indian Roller is the state bird of four Indian states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Telangana, and also Karnataka, making it one of the most culturally significant birds in the region. - Its common name comes from the male's spectacular, tumbling, 'rolling' aerial courtship display. -...