A Lilac-breasted roller perched on a branch, showcasing its vibrant lilac chest and turquoise wings in the African sunlight.
The Eight-Colored Wonder: Africa’s Lilac-Breasted Roller
The Lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a living rainbow of the savannah. This stunning bird sports eight distinct colors: green, white, black, yellow, turquoise, dark blue, reddish-brown, and—of course—its namesake lilac.
On the National Geographic Wildlife Guide, it's often noted that these birds are as fierce as they are beautiful, frequently diving from high perches to snatch up insects and even small lizards.
In my experience, it is the only "little bird" that consistently provokes safarists to "oooh and aaah" with the same intensity they save for a cheetah or a lion! Whether it’s perched stoically on a thorn bush or showing off its brilliant blue wings in flight, it is a photographer’s dream.
Photograph the "Gem of the Savannah" in 2026
Are you ready to capture the vibrant colors of the African bush through your own lens? We are returning to the best birding habitats in East Africa next year.
2026 Safari Dates: Join our Tanzania Safari Expedition to see birds and more.
Booking Info: Limited spots remain for our upcoming season. Check our list of destinations and dates for future curated travel here.