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lilac-breasted roller
(coracias caudatus)
distribution
Eastern and southern Africa.habitat
As tree dwellers they prefer areas of open woodland and savanna.
biological characteristics
These beautiful birds are monogamous and mate for life. Females lay two to four eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Chicks are fully feathered by the time they are 20 days old but greyish brown in colour. They develop their beautiful and bright colour later. Both males and females are similar in appearance. Lilac-crested Rollers are very territorial and will defend feeding grounds from intruders. Their diet is varied, consisting of insects, ants, caterpillars, small lizards and small birds. They perch on trees, bushes or fence posts looking for prey before swooping down to the ground.
conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN red data list)factfile
- They are named for their in-air acrobatics during courtship, which involve a swooping, rolling movement.
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animal
fact file
When pairs are re-established after their long migration, they greet one another by throwing their heads back and clattering their beaks together.