Today I am going to share some more about one of my favourite birds, the Lilac-breasted Roller.

The Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family of birds. It 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 coloration. Juveniles do not have the long tail feathers that adults do.

This species is the national bird of Botswana and Kenya.

Lilac Breasted Roller Range

Since they are so widespread, you have great odds of seeing them on any safari in the southern half of Africa.  Kruger National Park is one of the easiest places to find them, also any of the national parks in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Zimbabwe would be a good bet.  Even though they aren’t a rare species, their beauty makes them firm favourites with birders and artists alike.  Just have a look at the variety of images on Google of this stunning bird!

Here’s a few videos to further enjoy them.