Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores - Lilac-breasted Roller

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
Lilac-breasted Roller
Page 24

Coracias caudata

Length: 38 cm (15")

Status: Common

Habitat: Lilac-breasted rollers are found in grasslands, savannas and open forests.

Food: Although mainly an insect eater, the lilac-breasted roller is large enough to catch skinks and even small birds. It prefers larger insects such as locust and dung beetles. It catches insects as they fly. When a larger insect is caught, the roller hits it against the ground or tree branch to kill it. Wings are removed from the prey before it is eaten.

The lilac-breasted roller is often seen waiting patiently as a number of herbivore graze towards it. It is waiting for them to flush out insects which the roller swoops down and catches.

Social System/Behavior: Rollers are stocky birds usually seen sitting on the topmost branches of a tree. They get their name from their habit of rolling over in mid-flight when courting and during territorial displays. There are 12 species worldwide and eight in Africa.

The female lays two to four eggs in a cavity in a dead tree or termite mound.

Predators: Falcons and other birds of prey will sometimes catch lilac-breasted rollers. Servals also catch the occasional bird.

Snakes, monitor lizards and mongooses will raid the nest.

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