Indian roller
The Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis), is a member of the roller family of birds. They are found widely across tropical Asia stretching from Iraq eastward across the Indian subcontinent to Indochina and are best known for the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. They are very commonly seen perched along roadside trees and wires and are commonly seen in open grassland and scrub forest habitats. It is not migratory, but undertakes some seasonal movements.
Indian Roller Media
The closely related Indochinese roller (C. affinis) was considered a subspecies of the Indian roller.
Indian roller in flight showing the intense purple-blue and pale blue bands on wings and tail.
Scan of Indian roller feathers: a primary, two outer secondaries and two tail feathers
Indian roller sunning
Indian rollers nest in hollows or crevices in buildings.
Indian roller eating a grasshopper
Painting by Sheikh Zainuddin, from the Impey Album, c. 1780.
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