sky-blue plumage (Zoo; 2008-10-21)


European Roller
Coracias garrulus

Native Range: Eurasia

Notes: rollers get their name from their courtship display flight, which includes twists, turns, and barrel-like rolls; a colorful medium-sized bird with otherwise strong direct flight; inhabits open country with scattered trees; nests in tree cavities; often perches prominently when hunting for insects, small reptiles, and other prey items; little sexual dimorphism


some pale brown on face, neck, and breast (Zoo; 2008-10-21)
darker line through the eye; stout strong bill (Zoo; 2008-10-21)