Abyssinian Roller

Coracias abyssinicus

The Abyssinian Roller is a striking blue bird found throughout the open habitats of sub-Saharan Africa. They are large in body size, growing up to 1ft in length with an additional 5-6in of tail feather.

You can identify these birds by their vibrant blue head and wings, and the reddish-brown feathers on their back. Males and females do look alike, and juveniles are similar as well, only more dull in color.

Abyssinian Rollers, like all Rollers, get their name from the rolling flying motion that they make, especially when trying to attract a mate. They build very rough nests in tree cavities or on building ledges (they have adapted well to human settlement) and lay up to 6 eggs at a time. These birds don't just nest high up, they hunt from perches as well. The Rollers keep and eye out for insects, rodents, and other small creatures. One spotted, they swoop down on their prey.

As mentioned, the Abyssinian Rollers have adapted to human encroachment. They have made good use of building, telephone poles, and other man made structures in order to nest and hunt. Their adaptability,  combined with their large range, puts them at Least Concern on the conservation scale.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Africa
Size : Body length up to 12in (30cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Coraciiformes
Family : Coraciidae -- Genus : Coracias -- Species : C. abyssinicus

Image : Public Domain