Abyssinian Roller

Description:

The Abyssinian roller is a large bird, nearly the size of a jackdaw at 28–30 cm. It has a warm brown back, with the rest of the plumage mainly blue. Adults have long (12 cm) tail streamers. Sexes are similar, but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. Abyssinian roller is striking in its strong direct flight, with the brilliant blues of the wings contrasting with the brown back and the long tail streamers trailing behind.

Habitat:

Very common breeding species all over Sahel, from Senegambia to Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya; found also in central Arabia. This is a very common bird of warm open country with some trees, but has adapted to farmland and human habitation. They often perch prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires, like giant shrikes, whilst watching for the large insects and small rodents on which they feed. They will dash into the smoke of a forest fire for disturbed invertebrates. They are fearless, and will dive and roll at humans and other intruders.