Coracias spatulatus
The Racket-tailed Roller (Coracias spatulatus) is an exquisitely colored avian jewel, instantly recognizable by its distinctive tail feathers. Measuring approximately 28-30 cm in length, with its elongated outer tail feathers extending up to 36 cm, this roller boasts a dazzling array of blues across its head, chest, belly, and rump, contrasted by a rich rufous back and a pale lilac streak on its breast. The most defining field mark, which gives the species its common name, is the presence of ...
Found primarily in open woodlands, particularly miombo and mopane savannas, often near rivers or clearings. It inhabits low to mid-elevations across its sub-Saharan African range.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and cicadas, but also preys on scorpions, lizards, frogs, small snakes, and rodents. Forages by swooping from a perch to the ground.
This diurnal bird is a classic 'sit-and-wait' predator, often perching prominently on dead tree branches, power lines, or other high vantage points. From these elevated perches, it scans the ground intently, then swoops down in a powerful dive to seize its prey. It also exhibits aerial hawking, c...
The Racket-tailed Roller is endemic to the miombo woodland belt of Southern and East Africa. Its primary breeding range encompasses Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (southern parts), Malawi, Mozambique, the Caprivi Strip of Namibia, northeastern South Africa, Tanzania (southwest...
Least Concern
- The 'racket' in its name refers to the distinctive, spatulate ends of its elongated outer tail feathers. - The 'Roller' part of its name comes from the spectacular, tumbling aerial displays males perform during courtship. - It is one of nine species within the genus Coracias, all known for thei...