European
Roller
The European Roller - Coracias
garrulus - is the only member of the roller family of birds to breed
in Europe. It migrates vast distances between
continents. It is a bird of warm, dry, open country with scattered trees. It winters
primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains, where it typically nests in
tree holes.
Description
It is mainly blue with an
orange-brown back and black flight feathers. The head, neck and underparts are
light blue, whilst the upperparts are brownish-orange. A short, thin black
stripe runs through the eye and the tail is greenish-blue with a darker base.
In flight the brilliant azure blue leading edge and the contrasting black
wing-tips can be seen. Sexes are similar, but the juvenile is a drabber version
of the adult.
Call
The call is a harsh crow-like
sound. It gives a raucous series of calls when nervous.
Food
Mainly eats flying insects, such
as termite alates, beetles and locusts, rarely eating small vertebrates. It
typically hunts from a perch, waiting until prey gets close before pouncing on
it.
Breeding
The nest site is situated in a
hole in a large tree, building, cliff or riverbank. A clutch of one to six, but
most commonly four or five, eggs are laid from May to June. The eggs are incubated,
primarily by the female, for 17 to 19 days. The chicks develop quickly
and fledge after 25 to 30 days. The young continue to be fed by adults for a
further three weeks or more.
Conservation Status – Near
threatened
This species has undergone rapid
declines across its global range and it is consequently considered Near
Threatened. Declines have been most pronounced in northern populations. Threats
include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries and hundreds,
perhaps thousands, are shot for food in Oman every spring. Use of
pesticides reduces food availability, and the species is sensitive to changing
farming and forestry practices.
Birdwatching
Ask Aves Birding
Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a tour for you to see these Rollers during
the South African summer [October to April] or book on one of the following Avesscheduled tours: -
Aves Arid Birding
Tour/Safari/Adventure
Aves Eastern Cape 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.
Aves Western Cape Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves West Coast Birding Tour /
Safari /Adventure.