common roller
Quick Summary
The common roller (Coracias garrulus) is an Old World bird belonging to the family Coraciidae, known for its courtship display flights that include dives and somersaults. These birds, typically 25 to 32 cm (10 to 13 inches) long, resemble stocky jays and are characterized by their predominantly blue or violet plumage.1
Common rollers are found in warm regions, ranging from southern Europe to western Asia, and are known to gather in noisy flocks to feed on insects like locusts and flying ants, as well as lizards. They primarily nest in tree holes, though some species may burrow into termite nests. The common roller itself is noted for its vivid blue wings with black borders.1
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