Tuesday 17 August 2010

Lilac-breasted Roller



The Lilac-breasted Roller, Coracias caudatus, is a member of the roller family of birds. This one lives at Chester Zoo. The Lilac-breasted Roller is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, preferring open woodland and savanna; it 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 in colouration. Juveniles do not have the long tail feathers. it is the national bird of Botswana and Kenya.

3 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous bird. The colours are truly spectacular. I'd never heard of it before you blogged about it. I was so intrigued I did a little searching on my own and learned that it's the national bird of Botswana. Your posts are amazing. I've learned so much from them. Thank you, Scriptor.
    Canadian Chickadee

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  2. omgosh what a fab bird...if the photo is such a pick up, imagine what seeing the bird could do to your mood!!

    fab john


    saz x

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  3. THAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BIRD I HAVE EVER SEEN! honestly the colors are so vibrant and beautiful! WOW that is all I can say....WOW!

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