FOR THE LOVE OF BIRDS - Lilac-breasted Roller

Typical Rollers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Kenya.

The Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family of birds. And, is a heavy billed, beautifully colored bird with a green head, lilac throat and breast, a blue belly and even brighter blue wing feathers. It also has elongated outer tail feathers. Both sexes have the same coloration.

It is a common species occurring in almost all national parks and reserves and in some areas a common roadside bird. It perches on open branches, large termite mounds and even on power and telephone lines, swooping down on its prey and clearly showing its brilliant blue wings.

Usually found alone or in pairs.The male's courtship displays include stunning flight dives with a rolling or rocking quality as well as loops and twists. These are cavity nesting birds that usurp old kingfisher or woodpecker holes from 6-30 feet above the ground, and will occasionally nest in empty termite mounds .

Nesting takes place in a natural hole in a tree where a clutch of 2–4 eggs is laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defense of their nest, taking on raptors and other birds. During the breeding season the male will rise to great heights, descending in swoops and dives, while uttering harsh, discordant cries. They are believed to mate for life

It eats insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds and rodents.Lilac-breasted rollers do not typically migrate but may be somewhat nomadic in search of the best food sources.
 

They  have a harsh, raspy call that lasts less than a second but may be quickly repeated. The pitch does not vary, and the tone has a rattling quality. While mostly silent, they are more vocal during the breeding season or when they feel their territory is threatened.
 

This species is the national bird of Botswana and Kenya.