Meet the European roller:

“European Roller” by Koshyk is licensed under CC BY 2.0. (cut)

The European roller ( Coracias garrulus ), a medium-sized bird with a robust build, has a generously proportioned head, a slightly hooked, long and robust beak, along with a slender tail and short wings. Its distinctive appearance is marked by a bright blue head and underparts, which contrast with its rust-colored back and black flight feathers.

“Coracias garrulus” by berniedup is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Both males and females share this striking plumage.

The juvenile birds looked like drab versions of their adult counterparts.

“Coracias garrulus Ghiandaia marina European Roller” by Michele Lamberti is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

The habitat and distribution of the European roller is remarkable. Although it breeds mainly in Europe, its distribution extends to regions such as Morocco, the Middle East and Central Asia.

“Coracias garrulus” by berniedup is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

It prefers hot, arid landscapes, especially those with open expanses and scattered trees such as oak and pine forests. It can also be found in environments such as farms, pastures, and orchards that offer some vegetation.

“European caraca (Coracias garrulus) in the wind…” by berniedup is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Regarding its diet, the European roller predominantly consumes insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets and beetles. Additionally, it complements its diet with small reptiles, rodents and frogs.

Photo courtesy of Christian Svane/CC BY-SA 2.5

European rollers exhibit monogamous behavior in their mating habits. During the months of May and June, these breeding birds come together to participate in the mating process. This period is marked by the captivating display of acrobatic courtship rituals by the paired individuals. In a fascinating spectacle, breeding pairs soar through the skies, performing intricate twists and turns in unison, culminating in the act of mating. This impressive display is the main reason behind their designation as “rolling birds”. When it comes to nesting, this species builds its nests inside cliff crevices or holes in trees. After a successful mating, the female proceeds to lay a clutch of approximately two to six eggs inside the nest. These eggs are laid with intervals of two to three days between them. Once the entire clutch has been laid, the female assumes the responsibility of incubating all the eggs collectively for a period ranging from half a month to 19 days. After the eggs hatch, the juvenile birds can depend on their parents to feed them for an entire month. As the chick matures, it eventually leaves the nest within three to four weeks.

“European Roller beak open” by Steve Slater (used to be Wildlife Encounters) is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The European Roller, usually found alone or in small groups, is often seen perching on various prominent structures such as posts, wires and trees. In such cases, their appearance may not be particularly striking. However, the bird’s name derives from the captivating aerial displays it performs during courtship or territorial flights. These displays display their striking turquoise wings, capturing attention.

“Coracias garrulus” by berniedup is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The European roller undertakes great migrations, traveling long distances. During the winter, it migrates to sub-Saharan regions in Africa, preferring dry forested savannahs and bustling plains as wintering grounds.

“European Roller (Coracias garrulus)” by Bernard DUPONT is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

This bird is considered of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Photo courtesy of Andy Morffew/CC BY 2.0

Why not listen to this bird below?