Coracias caudatus
The Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) is arguably one of Africa's most visually stunning avian residents, a living jewel famed for its kaleidoscopic plumage. Measuring approximately 36-37 cm (14-15 inches) in length, including its distinctive long tail streamers, and boasting a wingspan of 50-58 cm (20-23 inches), this medium-sized bird weighs between 89 and 137 grams. Its breathtaking coloration features a vibrant green head, white forehead stripe, a rich lilac-purple breast (giving ...
Found in open woodland, savanna, and thornbush habitats, preferring areas with scattered trees for perching and nesting. Typically found at low to mid-elevations, rarely above 2000 meters.
Feeds primarily on a wide range of large insects, including grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and locusts, but also consumes scorpions, spiders, small lizards, snakes, frogs, and occasionally small rodents and birds. It hunts mainly by perch-and-pounce.
Lilac-breasted Rollers are diurnal and highly conspicuous, often perching prominently on dead trees, telephone wires, or tall shrubs, surveying their surroundings. They are primarily 'perch-and-pounce' predators, patiently scanning for prey from an elevated position before swooping down to catch ...
The Lilac-breasted Roller enjoys a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily inhabiting savannas and open woodlands from the Red Sea coast of Eritrea and Ethiopia, south through East Africa, to southern Angola and northern South Africa. Its range extends westward into parts of Namibi...
Least Concern
- The Lilac-breasted Roller is the national bird of both Kenya and Botswana, symbolizing the vibrant wildlife of these nations. - Its common name 'roller' comes from its spectacular aerial courtship display, which involves acrobatic dives and rolls. - The bird's brilliant blues and greens are not...