European Roller

Scientific Name: Coracias garrulus 
Common Name: European Roller
Other Name: Blue roller, Common roller, Eurasian roller, or simply roller

Identifying Features: blue body, orange-brown back,  brilliant blue contrasting with black flight feathers, dark patch around eye.

Fun Facts:

  • There are two subspecies recognised, one of which is named ‘Kashmir roller’.
  • The European roller chick will vomit a foul-smelling orange liquid onto itself to deter a predator. The smell also warns the parents on their return to the nest.

 

This image was clicked by Paul Coolsvia Flickr.

Where have you seen this bird? Let us know in the comments below. You can also share a photo of this bird clicked by you by sending it to birdwatcher@delhigreens.org

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