Eurystomus orientalis
The Oriental Dollarbird, a captivating member of the roller family (Coraciidae), is a medium-sized bird renowned for its striking aerial acrobatics and vibrant plumage. Measuring approximately 25-30 cm in length with a wingspan of 50-60 cm, it sports a rich blue-green body, a deep rufous-brown head and neck, and a distinctive broad, bright red bill and legs. Its most iconic field mark, giving rise to its common name, is the iridescent white 'dollar' shaped patch visible on its primary flight ...
Primarily found in open woodlands, forest edges, clearings, savannas, and cultivated areas, often near water sources or along river courses. It inhabits tropical and subtropical lowlands, occasionally extending into hilly regions up to 1500 meters.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of large flying insects such as beetles, moths, grasshoppers, termites, cicadas, and dragonflies, captured in agile aerial pursuits. Occasionally, they may take small vertebrates like lizards or frogs.
Oriental Dollarbirds are diurnal, often active from dawn through dusk, displaying a crepuscular peak in foraging activity, especially for night-flying insects. They are expert aerial hawkers, perching conspicuously on dead tree snags, utility wires, or prominent branches before sallying out to ca...
The Oriental Dollarbird boasts an expansive distribution across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australasia. Its breeding range extends from the Indian Subcontinent eastward through Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan, south to northern and eastern Australia. Northern populations (...
Least Concern
- The 'dollar' in its name refers to the distinctive white oval patch visible on its wing primaries during flight, resembling an old silver dollar. - Unlike true rollers (genus *Coracias*), the Oriental Dollarbird is a more specialized aerial insectivore, equipped with a wider bill for scooping u...