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WoodlandCavity nestMedium · 146 g
What the European Roller sounds like
ID tip
The European roller is a stocky bird, the size of a Eurasian jay at 29–32 cm (11–13 in) in length with a 52–58 cm (20–23 in) wingspan. It is mainly blue with an orange-brown back. The subspecies C. g. semenowi is slightly paler then the nominate. The European roller is striking in its strong direct flight, with the brilliant blue contrasting with blue-black ends of the flight feathers. Sexes are similar, but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The European roller is similar in appearance and behaviour to the Abyssinian roller.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the European Roller
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 9 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.
Where to see the European Roller
The map shades 90 countries with regular records, and 11 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Mali, Mayotte, Iceland.
About the European Roller
The European roller is the only member of the roller family Coraciidae breeding in Europe. Its range extends into the Maghreb, West Asia and Central Asia. It winters in southern Africa, primarily in dry wooded savanna and bushy plains. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats, but avoids treeless plains. It usually nests in tree holes.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Lilac-breasted RollerCoracias caudatusIn the field, these robust, large-headed birds are often perched alone on a tree in a grassy clearing, and are almost unmistakable with their colourful plumage tones.
Indian RollerCoracias benghalensisThe Indian roller is a bulky and broad-winged bird with a large head and short neck and legs.
Indochinese RollerCoracias affinisIt is a stocky bird.
Side by side: European Roller vs Indian Roller · European Roller vs Lilac-breasted Roller · European Roller vs Indochinese Roller
Watch the European Roller on live cams
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