Overview
A sudden flash of turquoise, lilac and electric blue across the savannah often reveals one of Tanzania’s most photogenic birds. The lilac-breasted roller is instantly recognisable by its vivid plumage and habit of perching in exposed positions while watching the ground below.
From dead branches and roadside poles to fence posts and termite mounds, it scans for insects, spiders, scorpions, lizards and other small prey. Once it spots movement, the bird drops quickly from its perch, seizes the animal on the ground and often returns to the same lookout.
Its extraordinary colours may attract attention, but they work surprisingly well against the changing light of open woodland and savannah. During the breeding season, pairs become especially conspicuous as they perform dramatic aerial displays of dives, twists and rolling flight.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a medium-sized bird with a lilac breast, turquoise underparts, blue wings and tail, a greenish head and a dark stripe through the eye. The long outer tail feathers are particularly noticeable in adults.
Lilac-breasted rollers usually occur alone or in pairs and spend long periods perched in the open. Their hunting style is based on patience: they remain still until prey is detected, then launch into a fast downward flight.
Their name comes from the rolling, twisting flight displays used during courtship and territorial defence. These performances may be accompanied by harsh, rasping calls.
Interesting facts
Their name comes from their aerial displays. During courtship and territorial flights, they dive, roll and twist through the air.
They hunt from exposed perches. A roller may repeatedly return to the same branch or pole after dropping to the ground to catch prey.
Both parents defend the nest. Breeding pairs can become highly territorial and may chase away birds much larger than themselves.