Botswana: -

The Lilac-breasted Roller - Coracias caudatus - is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is found in open woodland and savanna and is largely absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds and rodents moving about at ground level.

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 defence 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. The sexes are alike.

These beautiful birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -

Aves Arid Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves Highlands/Tembe Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves KZN Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves North East Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves North West Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Swaziland: -

The Purple-crested Turaco - Tauraco porphyreolophus - is found in East Africa and the eastern parts of South Africa.

This spectacular bird has a purple coloured crest above a green head, a red ring around their eyes, and a black bill. The neck and chest are green and brown. The rest of the body is purple, with red flight feathers.

They live in moist woodland and evergreen forests. They eat mainly fruits.

These beautiful birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -

Aves Highlands/Tembe Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves KZN Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure

Aves North East Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure