Harriet Smith Photography

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"For The Love of Africa"

The spectacular Lilac Breasted Roller is on average 14.5 inches. The washed green head is large, the neck is short, the greenish yellow legs are rather short and the feet are small. The back and scapulars are brown. The shoulder of the wing, outer webs of the flight feathers and the rump are all violet. The large wings are brilliant shades of blue with tips of black. The chin is whitish, shading to rich lilac of the breast. The under parts are greenish blue. The bill is black and the eyes are brown. The beak is strong, arched and hooked-tipped.

Rollers get their name from their impressive courtship flight, a fast, shallow dive from considerable elevation with a rolling or fast rocking motion, accompanied by loud raucous calls.

All rollers appear to be monogamous and highly territorial. It is a swift flier, indulging in acrobatics during the breeding season. They actually breed 'on the wing'. They live in pairs or small groups, but are often seen alone.  Their call is a loud harsh squawk, 'zaaak'. They are partly migratory, but in some areas they are sedentary. They are territorial, defending small feeding territories.

Photographed and Copyrighted ©2005 - 2011 All Right Reserved By: Harriet Smith

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