Broad-billed Roller

Overview

The broad-billed roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) is a member of the roller family that breeds across tropical Africa and Madagascar, excluding the driest regions. It is a wet-season breeder that migrates towards the moister equatorial belt during the dry season.

Identification

• 29–30 cm in length with a warm brown back and head, and a lilac foreneck and breast.
• Features a bright yellow, broad bill that contrasts with the mostly brown plumage.
• Displays brilliant blues on the wings and tail against the brown back during strong, direct flight.
• Produces a snarling 'k-k-k-k-k-r-r-r-r-r' call.

Habitat

This species inhabits open woodland with some tall trees, preferably near water. Its range covers tropical Africa and Madagascar, though the Madagascar subspecies may migrate to mainland Africa in winter.

Diet

The bird feeds on swarming ants and termites, hunting in the late afternoon sometimes in groups of over 100 individuals. It drinks by dipping its bill into water while in flight, similar to swallows.

Did you know?

These birds can gather in groups of 100 or more to feed on swarming insects, and they drink water by dipping their bills into it while flying.