Coracias temminckii
The Purple-winged Roller, *Coracias temminckii*, is a spectacular resident of Indonesia's Sulawesi island and its surrounding islets, renowned for its brilliant plumage and characteristic aerial displays. This medium-sized bird measures approximately 30-32 cm (11.8-12.6 in) in length and weighs around 120-150g (4.2-5.3 oz), with a wingspan often reaching 50-60 cm (20-24 in). Its head, neck, and underparts are an iridescent, deep purple, contrasting sharply with its dark brown to olive-brown b...
Primarily inhabits lowland tropical and subtropical rainforests, forest edges, and degraded woodlands, generally at elevations up to 1000-1200 meters.
Feeds primarily on large insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas, and mantises, supplemented by scorpions and small vertebrates like lizards and frogs, captured via a 'perch-and-pounce' foraging method.
This diurnal species is typically observed perched conspicuously on a prominent branch, scanning for prey before launching a 'perch-and-pounce' strike. Rollers are largely solitary or seen in pairs, becoming more social during breeding. During courtship, males engage in spectacular aerial display...
The Purple-winged Roller is an endemic resident species restricted to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and a few adjacent satellite islands. Its primary distribution covers the main island of Sulawesi, where it is found across its various provinces, including North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, S...
Least Concern
- The Purple-winged Roller is one of the most vividly colored birds in its family, with a plumage palette that includes deep purple, brilliant cobalt blue, and rich brown. - Its family name, 'Roller,' comes from the spectacular aerial courtship displays where males perform acrobatic dives and 'ro...