These birds are numerous in Africa. They move in large flocks, predating upon insects that swarm around agricultural sites and the edges of recently burned areas.
These brightly-colored African birds get the name "roller" from a unique courtship behavior. Mid-flight, these birds will begin to roll back and forth, tumbling towards the ground. This display attracts mates while providing a marvelous aerial show. Blue-bellied rollers also have unique "streamer" feathers that extend 6 cm beyond the ends of their tails. It is thought that these birds provide significant pest control for farmers, congregating near farmlands and eating insects that may otherwise harm crops. This is known as biological pest control.
Blue-bellied rollers get their name from their rolling flight displays, which you can sometimes see as they are flying around in their habitat. Every afternoon, we offer them insects which we toss into the air. They will often catch them in mid-air, which is quite impressive to see!
Cindy
Blue-bellied rollers "dive bomb" their prey from treetops, plummeting to the ground and quickly snatching their food.
Western and Central Africa
Savanna woodlands and forest edges
Height: 28–30 cm, Wingspan: 30 cm | 110–178 g
Large invertebrates, small snakes and lizards, oil-palm fruit
Adults do not face predation
Agile flight
2–3 eggs per clutch
Least Concern
9 years (avg.) in human care
