European Roller
Coracias garrulus
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À propos
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.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 31,0 cm | 12.2 in |
| Envergure | 66,0 cm | 26.0 in |
| Poids | 130,0 g | 4.59 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Turquoise-blue head, breast, and tail. Chestnut-brown back. Vivid ultramarine blue and black wing patches visible in flight.
Bec
Short, stout, dark hooked bill
Habitat & Range
Warm, dry, open country with scattered trees and nest holes. Breeds in tree cavities, earth banks, and nest boxes.
Répartition géographique
Southern and eastern Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Diet & Feeding
Large insects, especially beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. Also takes small reptiles, frogs, and scorpions. Hunts from exposed perches.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: CV. Incubation: 17-19 days. Fledging: 25-30 days.
Taille de la couvée
3-6
Son
Chant
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.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Coraciiformes (Kingfishers & Rollers) |
| Famille | Coraciidae (Rollers) |
| Genus | Coracias |
| Espèces | Coracias garrulus |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Blauracke |
| Spanish | Carraca Europea |
Distribution
European Roller has been recorded in 5 countries.
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External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the European Roller eat?
Where does the European Roller live?
Is the European Roller endangered?
How does the European Roller nest?
What does the European Roller sound like?
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What order and family does the European Roller belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Coraciidae family