Its tail feathers and wing undersides are a bright blue colour that is very eye catching. Enquire (current) Contact Us; Kruger National Park - South African Safari. Both will share in this responsibility for 18 to 20 days after birth. Kenya is rich in diversity and the 8 colors found on this roller bird represent the many different tribes of this East African country. If you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wild, it can be relatively easy to approach and get an incredible view and photograph. Adults either live in pairs, or by themselves. Lilac Breasted Rollers actually breed 'on the wing'. The main colour of this bird is a combination of different colours. The beak is strong, arched and hooked-tipped. Customer Support; Tel: +27 21 424 1037; Fax: +27 21 424 1036; Contact by Mail; Business Hours; Mon - Fri. 08:00 - 17:00; Saturday. Moving onto their body, they have a lilac breast and a turquoise underside. These lilac rollers have a noticeably harsh call. © 2020 Africa Freak | All Rights Reserved, Cape Cross Seal Reserve: a smelly encounter. The Lilac Breasted Roller is a very colourful bird and may be the most colourful in the Kruger Park. Lilac-breasted rollers are arguably Africa’s most beautiful bird species. Otherwise, these birds are mostly silent. They live in pairs or small groups, but are often seen alone. Your email address will not be published. These clever little creatures will take advantage of brush fires. In Swahili, “Kambu” is the word for this bird. The image is available for download in high resolution quality up to 5000x4000. Silinganiso selinani le Lilac Breasted Roller ngu 14.5 ngema cm. These lilac rollers have a noticeably harsh call. They have a turquoise tail that ends in thin black streamers. The Lilac Breasted Roller will perch on a dead tree, surveying the area for prey. The Afrikaners, who are descendants of Dutch immigrants that originally settled in South Africa, have traditionally used the bird’s feathers to decorate wedding dresses. Blue-throated roller – This species is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. They hunt a variety of small prey, including ground-dwelling insects, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, scorpions, snails, lizards, rodents, and even small birds. Lilac-breasted rollers inhabit acacia country with well-spaced trees, rolling bushy game lands, riverside areas, and cultivated land. It has large wings and strong flight. Enter your email for your weekly dose of ‘wild Africa’ directly to your inbox. They have a wingspan of over 20 inches and grow to 15 inches in length, including their tail feather. However, in-flight, you can see their underparts, which are a beautiful purplish-pink streaked with white. Seeing one of these colorful birds flying is an experience you won’t forget. Lilac Breasted Rollers inhabit acacia country with well spaced trees, rolling bushy game lands, riverside areas and cultivated land, but they do not associate with human habitation. The lilac-breasted roller (scientific name Coracias caudatus) is a beautifully colored bird species with a stand-out appearance. Their call is a loud harsh squawk, 'zaaak'. The bill is black and the eyes are brown. Several African tribes have historically considered this gorgeous roller bird to be a symbol of peace. While surveying for food, they perch on tall vantage points, such as the very top of trees or long poles. This examines the lover’s compatibility. So your Africafreak is most enjoyable to read what’s happening. They are relatively common and widespread throughout much of southern Africa, south of the Congo River basin but extending as far north as Ethiopia in the eastern part of the continent. A lilac-breasted roller can be 36 to 38 cm (14.2 to 15 in) long, and … Kruger National Park - South African Safari. Lilac-breasted rollers are carnivorous birds. It is a swift flier, indulging in acrobatics during the breeding season. Toggle navigation. In many African cultures, the lilac-breasted roller symbolizes a deep connection between love and marriage. Image of kwazulu, coloration, coraciiformes - 137300861 Photo about Lilac-breasted roller, south Africa.Kruger National Park. It has a tan-colored back, and the rest of its plumage is mostly light blue. lock down. This length includes their tail, which is approximately 8 to 9 cm long. That’s unfortunate, Maureen. The roller bird family (also known as Coraciidae) is a species of Old World birds named for their unique ability to perform aerial acrobatics in flight. One typical aspect of its behavior is that it also preys on animals fleeing from bush fires. During the winter months, they may live in small groups. They drive off many species from near their nest hole, even after breeding. The species ranges more or less continuously throughout eastern and southern Africa from the Red Sea coasts of Ethiopia and northwest Somalia to the Angola coast and northern South Africa. Although these roller birds don’t like to live near human settlements, they are typically unafraid of people. The mother bird lays just one brood per year, which usually contains 2 to 4 plain white eggs. The tail is narrow and of medium length. Lilac-breasted rollers do not typically migrate but may be somewhat nomadic in search of the best food sources in different season… The washed green head is large, the neck is short, the greenish yellow legs are rather short and the feet are small. Its chest is a light blue, its neck is a salmon pink, its back is brown, its head is green and its face is red and white. These gorgeous pastel-colored birds appear to be monogamous. Lilac Breasted Rollers, scientific name Coracias caudatus, are beautiful birds that should be on every birdwatcher’s list. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is a bird of many colors. They are territorial, also defending temporarily small feeding territories; hence individuals are regularly spaced along roads. Their feet are yellow with black tips. While perched, they look rather dull and are mostly earthy brown in color. If their victim is on the larger side, they will beat it against a rock or on the ground to kill it or force it into submission. Lilac Breasted Roller; Images of Lilac Breasted Roller. The Lilac-Breasted Roller’s Call is Raspy. Its chest is a light blue, its neck is a salmon pink, its back is brown, its head is green and its face is red and white. Posted by Editorial Team | Interests, Safari, Wildlife | 2. The Venda of Zimbabwe and South Africa fashion wedding rings from the bird’s feathers. The lilac-breasted roller is found more or less continuously throughout eastern and southern Africa from the Red Sea coasts of Ethiopia and northwest Somalia to the Angola coast and northern South Africa. They will even chase off much larger predators. The image is available for download in high resolution quality up to 4500x3200. This impressive display of ability from African roller birds happens when in courtship or during territorial fights. The back and scapulars are brown. The Lilac Breasted Roller is a very colourful bird and may be the most colourful in the Kruger Park. They are partly migratory, but in some areas they are sedentary. The lilac-breasted roller keeps to areas with open woodlands and savannas. Some African tribes historically considered the lilac breasted roller to be a symbol of peace, and their kings would sacrifice it to celebrate the end of a war.