EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudata), Family Coraciidae
Lake Bogoria, Rift Valley, Kenya

Explanation:  This is one spectacular bird!  It is a common migrant or resident of woodlands, riparian forests, and savannas of central and southern Africa. 

Lilac-breasted Rollers typically perch in conspicuous locations on the tops of shrubs and trees, and fly to the ground to grab prey.  They are actually attracted to grassland fires that flush insects and other prey.  Their food consists mostly of insects, scorpions, centipedes, and snails, but can also occasionally include frogs, small snakes, lizards, and sometimes even small birds and rodents.  They nest in natural holes in trees.

Lilac-breasted Rollers are one of about a dozen species of the roller family Coraciidae, which occurs in Africa, southern Europe, Asia, Australia, and some islands of the South Pacific.  

Information:
    Maclean, G. L. 1993. Roberts' birds of southern Africa. Sixth edition. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town, South Africa. 871 pp.