Lilac Breasted Roller

Classification

When you think of a colourful bird, what comes to mind first?Have you ever heard of a Lilac breasted roller? These birds are covered in a variety of colours ranging from lilac to many other colours. Also. known as Coracias Caudatus, Lilac breasted rollers come from the Coraciidae family. Many people know this bird as the national bird of Kenya.

Diet

Lilac breasted rollers are usually found swooping down from various places. This is because they find it easy to grab prey without them noticing anything. Their diet mainly consists of small insects like invertebrates and arthropods. This can include things such as spiders, millipedes, centipedes, snails, scorpions, and even other small birds! Lilac breasted rollers are also carnivores, and when eating food, they crush it up into smaller pieces to eat.

Habitat

If you would like to try and spot these colourful birds, it would be smart to search in Southern and Eastern Africa, but also in the Arabian Peninsula southern region. They generally like to stay in spaces with a few trees but with a lot of open area. Woodlands and Savannahs are common places for Lilac breasted rollers to appear, because of the amount of trees and the quantity of space.

Appearance

Colours on Lilac breasted rollers include the lilac along its belly, and usually turquoise along its back. Blue and yellow are common along its wings, and sometimes you might find a few flecks of reddish brown. These birds are usually around 36.8 cm tall, and have many distinguishable features. They have short necks that support an unusually large head, and also have small feet. They have beaks with hooked tips, to make it easier for them to rip up food.

Behaviours

Lilac breasted rollers have a very vicious hunting method. They always try to find high places such as tall poles or trees, to make it easier for them to prepare for swooping down on prey. When flying down to hunt for prey, they make vey loud and shocking cries that make noises sounding like "rak rak." Lilac breasted rollers like to travel alone or in pairs, usually avoiding larger groups.

Lifecycle

Per breeding season, Lilac breasted rollers can lay up to 2-4 eggs. the females and males incubate the eggs for around 22-24 days, taking turns as they go. Incubating takes place in hollowed out tress, with their nests made out of grass inside. Once the babies are finally born, they remain dependent on their parents for a few months, before being ready to breed in 2 years time. Lilac breasted rollers generally live around 10 years long, most of the time mating for life.

Conclusion

Lilac breasted rollers are currently not under much threat, and are listed under least concern. Their major predators include the Wahlberg's eagle, the Bateleur, the red-necked falcon and the peregrine falcon. Their status is stable to this day, and Lilac breasted rollers continue to thrive.

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