Lilac-breasted Roller

Nothing says East Africa like a Lilac-breasted roller. Its coloration is magnificent: lilac breast, green head, brown wings, and aqua undersides.

Rollers are aerial acrobats. They get their name from an impressive courtship flight, a dive that involves rolling and pitching. Similarly, when looking for a meal, the Lilac-breaster roller is a "perch and dive" hunter. They typically swoop down and ambush insects on the ground.

A few weeks ago I posted a head-on view of this same bird. H/T to Ken Gawne for his help with this side image.

If you want to feast on such birds with your own eyes, come on safari with us in 2025 or 2026!