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Blue-bellied Roller
Regenstein African Journey
Did You Know?
- Blue-bellied rollers are ambush predators. They usually hunt from a perching position and dive to ambush insects on the ground.
- They are named for their courtship behavior, which includes a dive with aerial somersaults. Mated pairs sometimes do this together.
- Some populations are decreasing due to deforestation, but these birds have a wide distribution overall.
Don’t See the Animals?
Why aren’t animals visible at all times? To promote positive animal welfare, we provide animals with choices. They can choose to spend time in areas that are out of public view.
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Overview
Scientific Name: Coracias cyanogaster
Class: Birds
Diet: Grasshoppers and other large insects
Range: Central and West Africa
Endangered Status: Least Concern
More Information
Blue-bellied rollers are stocky birds with short legs, about 10 inches in length. They are distinguished by their cream-colored head and neck and a brownish back, with royal blue breast, wings, and tail. They are somewhat social and can often be found in pairs or trios with other pairs nearby. Blue-bellied rollers build nests in tree cavities high above the ground and have 2–4 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts 22–24 days. Once hatched, the young fledge after a month and become independent soon afterward.
