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ShrublandCavity nestMedium · 168 g
ID tip
The purple roller is the largest of the rollers, growing to a length of 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in). Adults weigh from 145 to 200 g (5.1 to 7.1 oz) with an average weight of 168 g (5.9 oz). From a distance it appears a dull brownish bird with a white stripe over the eye, a patch of white on the nape and a dark tail. Northern populations tend to have a rufus crown while southern populations have a more olive-green crown. The underparts are purplish-pink streaked with white. The wings are long and rounded while the tail is square-cut.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Purple Roller
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Purple Roller
The map shades 28 countries with regular records, and 3 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 Central African Republic, Djibouti, South Sudan.
About the Purple Roller
The purple roller, or rufous-crowned roller, is a medium-sized bird widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Compared with other rollers its colours are rather dull and its voice harsh and grating.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Abyssinian RollerCoracias abyssinicusThe Abyssinian roller is a large bird, nearly the size of a jackdaw at 28–30 cm (11–12 in).
Blue-bellied RollerCoracias cyanogasterThe blue-bellied roller is a large bird, nearly the size of a jackdaw at 28–30 cm (11–12 in).
Indochinese RollerCoracias affinisIt is a stocky bird.
Side by side: Indochinese Roller vs Purple Roller · Abyssinian Roller vs Purple Roller · Blue-bellied Roller vs Purple Roller
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