European Roller

Coracias garrulus

The European Roller is a striking bird with a vibrant blue body, chestnut head, and a long, stout beak. It is known for its acrobatic aerial displays during courtship and migration. These birds are found in open landscapes with scattered trees and shrubs, where they hunt for insects by perching on high vantage points and swooping down to catch their prey. European Rollers are summer migrants, breeding in Europe and western Asia before migrating to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting along their migration routes.

Habitat: Open landscapes with scattered trees and shrubs