Indochinese Roller vs European Roller

Coracias affinis compared with Coracias garrulus

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Indochinese Roller European Roller
Scientific Name Coracias affinis Coracias garrulus
Order Coraciiformes Coraciiformes
Family Coraciidae Coraciidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 31.0 cm (12.2 in)
Wingspan 38.1 cm (15.0 in) 66.0 cm (26.0 in)
Weight 156.0 g (5.50 oz) 130.0 g (4.59 oz)
Diet -- Large insects, especially beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. Also takes small reptiles, frogs, and scorpions. Hunts …
Clutch Size -- 3-6
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Indochinese Roller
European Roller 31.0 cm
Wingspan
Indochinese Roller 38.1 cm
European Roller 66.0 cm
Weight
Indochinese Roller 156.0 g
European Roller 130.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Indochinese Roller only

European Roller only

European Roller

Warm, dry, open country with scattered trees and nest holes. Breeds in tree cavities, earth banks, and nest boxes.

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Song & Call Comparison

Indochinese Roller

European Roller

Song

A harsh, grating 'rack-rack' or 'quarrk' in flight. Gives a variety of sharp nasal calls at the nest. Not melodic; primary vocalizations are alarm and contact calls.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Indochinese Roller

European Roller

Southern and eastern Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Indochinese Roller

Least Concern

European Roller

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How to Tell Them Apart

Indochinese Roller

European Roller

Plumage

Turquoise-blue head, breast, and tail. Chestnut-brown back. Vivid ultramarine blue and black wing patches visible in flight.

Bill

Short, stout, dark hooked bill

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About These Birds

European Roller

The European roller gets its name from the spectacular rolling and tumbling aerial displays performed by males during courtship. It is the only roller species in Europe and one of the continent's most colorful birds. Declining across much of its western range due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss.

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Related Comparisons

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