Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus
The Lilac-breasted Roller, with beautiful lilac, turquoise, royal blue and cinnamon plumage, is native to sub-Saharan Africa
(mainly eastern/southern) and southern Arabia.
Striking in the sunlight, male and female have similar plumage. Adult birds have two long plumes in their turquoise tails.
Accomplished flyers, the Roller group of birds are named after the aerial rolls and swoops they make in courtship.
A most attractive and photogenic bird.
Even the back's beautiful
With wings outstretched
Though not as attractive as the pastel-coloured front
Links:
Blue-bellied Roller
European Roller
Purple/Rufous-crowned Roller
Cuckoo Roller