European Roller vs Blue-throated Roller
Coracias garrulus compared with Eurystomus gularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | European Roller | Blue-throated Roller |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coracias garrulus | Eurystomus gularis |
| Order | Coraciiformes | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae | Coraciidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 31.0 cm (12.2 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 66.0 cm (26.0 in) | 29.7 cm (11.7 in) |
| Weight | 130.0 g (4.59 oz) | 97.91666666666667 g (3.45 oz) |
| Diet | Large insects, especially beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. Also takes small reptiles, frogs, and scorpions. Hunts … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-6 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
European Roller
Warm, dry, open country with scattered trees and nest holes. Breeds in tree cavities, earth banks, and nest boxes.
Song & Call Comparison
European Roller
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.
Blue-throated Roller
Geographic Range & Migration
European Roller
Southern and eastern Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Blue-throated Roller
Conservation Status
European Roller
Blue-throated Roller
How to Tell Them Apart
European Roller
Turquoise-blue head, breast, and tail. Chestnut-brown back. Vivid ultramarine blue and black wing patches visible in flight.
Short, stout, dark hooked bill
Blue-throated Roller
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.