Lilac-breasted Roller, Coracias caudatus - Tanzania

KevinA

Well-Known Member
Wikipedia
"The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is an African bird of the roller family, Coraciidae. It is widely distributed in Southern and Eastern Africa, and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It prefers open woodland and savanna, and it is for the most part absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, amphibians and small birds moving about on the ground. Nesting takes place in a natural hole in a tree where a clutch of 2–4 eggs are laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defence of their nest, taking on raptors and other birds. During the breeding season the male will rise to a fair height (69 to 144 metres), descending in swoops and dives, while uttering harsh, discordant cries. The sexes do not differ in coloration, and juveniles lack the long tail streamers of adults. This species is unofficially considered the national bird of Kenya."

Lilac-breasted Roller, Coracias caudatus
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Lilac-breasted Roller, Coracias caudatus
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AlanLichty

Moderator
Interesting critter - this doesn't look like a bird that would be including smaller birds in its diet. Looks can be deceiving. Very cool markings.
 

JimFox

Moderator
Staff member
What a beautiful bird! Love all of those colors. I have never heard of a Roller family.

Awesome work here Kevin!
 

KevinA

Well-Known Member
Interesting critter - this doesn't look like a bird that would be including smaller birds in its diet. Looks can be deceiving. Very cool markings.
Thanks for looking and commenting Alan. I think like most birds, they'll take any opportunities that present themselves to survive.

I don't think I've ever seen such a colorful animal - just beautiful!
Thank you Michael. They look even better when they open their wings and fly 👍

What a beautiful bird! Love all of those colors. I have never heard of a Roller family.

Awesome work here Kevin!
Thank you Jim, there are quite a few members of the roller family, and all colourful
 
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