Home › Aves › Coraciidae › Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
Coracias
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
East and Southern Africa
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Savannas, woodlands, grasslands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Coraciiformes
FAMILY
Coraciidae
GENUS
Coracias
📋 Description
SIZE
36-38 cm, 80-130 g; wingspan 50-58 cm
COLORATION
Vibrant blue, lilac, green; long tail streamers
ADAPTATIONS
Agile flier; perches for hunting
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Savannas, woodlands, grasslands
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
East and Southern Africa
REPRODUCTION
2-4 eggs; incubation 22-24 days
DIET DETAILS
Insects, small vertebrates
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Courtship Flights: Males perform dazzling aerial rolls, diving and twisting to display their vivid colors, a spectacle that gives the species its name and attracts mates. These acrobatics can reach heights of 30 meters, captivating onlookers in the bush.
2
Colorful Hunters: Their bright plumage isn't just for show, it helps them blend into the dappled light of savannas, ambushing insects from perches with lethal precision. This dual-purpose beauty makes them a standout predator in their ecosystem.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Look for rollers on open branches at dawn during game drives.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
May-October: Dry season makes rollers more visible on open perches.
