Racket-tailed roller

Physical features

• The racquet-tailed roller is a blue and  brown bird with a bright blue underside. Its wings are tipped in black.

• The feet are syndactyl, with 3 toes fused and pointing forward and 1 toe pointing backward.

• Related to kingfishers, racquet-tailed rollers have strong, black beaks.

Diet: Insectivore

• Wild – little is known about its complete diet, but the following insects are known to be consumed: grasshoppers, beetles, fly maggots, cicadas.

• Zoo – meat, bugs

Reproduction

• It is thought to be a cooperative breeder, which means that non-breeding adults stay with breeding pairs and can assist in raising chicks.

• Breeding occurs from September to December with a peak in October at which point 2-3 eggs are laid.

• Nesting occurs in natural or excavated crevices approximately 6 to 7 meters off the ground. This species probably does not create its own cavities, preferring ones that were excavated by large woodpeckers.

Interpretive Information

• Many species of rollers are known for their aerial acrobatic courtship rituals.

Updated July 2010