Lilac-Breasted Roller Wows With Its Colorful Feathers and Striking Appearance

by Sessina Zerezghi, age 8

The Lilac-breasted Roller, also known scientifically as Coracias Caudatus, was given its name in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish scientist.

The Lilac-breasted Roller is a colorful bird that is characterized by its green, white, black, yellow, turquoise, dark blue, and lilac plumage. Its legs are small and greenish yellow. While they are colorful at maturity, when they are first born, they are simply grey. These birds have strong beaks, short necks, and narrow tails. The Lilac-breasted Roller lives in eastern and southern Africa.

The Lilac-breasted Roller’s diet consists of grasshoppers, beetles, lizards, crabs, and small amphibians. This bird takes prey from underground. The Lilac-breasted roller is about 14.5 inches, and its tail can be around eight to nine centimeters long. Its wingspan is between 50 and 58 centimeters. The bird lays up to white white eggs, which are incubated for around 24 days.

The Lilac-breasted Roller isn’t particularly friendly, but it poses no threat to humans. Its vibrant colors and striking appearance make it a stunning creature to photograph and study.

[Sources: JustBirding; Kruger National Park Guide]