Purple Roller

Coracias naevius

The Purple Roller is found in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa it is found in the north and north-east. Its preferred habitats are savanna and drier woodland.

These Rollers perch on an exposed branch and survey the ground for prey. They mostly eat insects but they will also eat small rodents, chicks and reptiles.

Purple Rollers perform acrobatic aerial displays as part of their courtship routine. They then nest in a cavity in a tree or sometimes in a hole in a man-made structure.

Top

References

List of South African Birds