The Abyssinian Roller is a stunning bird known for its brilliant blue plumage, contrasting with a brown back and white eye-stripe. It is celebrated for its acrobatic display flights.
Where to spot
Found across a wide band of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and northern Uganda. It inhabits savannas, open woodlands, thorny scrub, and cultivated areas.
How to spot
Look for its vibrant blue plumage, especially noticeable in flight. It often perches prominently on trees, poles, or wires, scanning the ground for large insects. Its harsh, chattering calls are also distinctive.
When to spot
Easily observed during daylight hours, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. It is often a migratory species in parts of its range, arriving for the breeding season.
Where to spot
Found across a wide band of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and northern Uganda. It inhabits savannas, open woodlands, thorny scrub, and cultivated areas.
How to spot
Look for its vibrant blue plumage, especially noticeable in flight. It often perches prominently on trees, poles, or wires, scanning the ground for large insects. Its harsh, chattering calls are also distinctive.
When to spot
Easily observed during daylight hours, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. It is often a migratory species in parts of its range, arriving for the breeding season.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
During its spectacular courtship flights, the Abyssinian Roller performs aerial maneuvers, including rapid dives and rolls, from which the 'roller' name is derived.
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