| Lilac-breasted Roller | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Coraciiformes |
| Family: | Coraciidae |
| Genus: | Coracias |
| Species: | Coracias caudatus |
The Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) is a very colorful bird in the family Coraciidae.
Description[]
A medium-sized bird, this Roller is 25 to 30 cm long. It has a light brown back, long, narrow, pointed, bright blue wings with black tips, a turquoise belly, green nape and crown, and lilac cheeks, throat and chest. Its long, forked tail is blue-green in colour. The head is quite large and the bill is black and thick, while the legs are short and light-coloured.
Behaviour[]
When hunting, the Lilac-breasted Roller sits on a tree branch and looks around in search of insects, scorpions, lizards, small birds and rodents. It nests in tree cavities and lays 2-4 eggs, which both parents defend fiercely, even attacking birds of prey that threaten the nest.
Distribution and Habitat[]
The Lilac-breasted Roller is found in Sub-Saharan Africa and the southern part of the Arabic Peninsula. It prefers savannahs and open woodland, and tends to avoid habitats with no trees.