About Coracias abyssinicus Hermann, 1783
The Abyssinian roller (Coracias abyssinicus Hermann, 1783) is a large bird, measuring 28–30 cm (11–12 in), which is nearly the size of a jackdaw. It has a warm brown back, while the rest of its plumage is mainly blue. Adult individuals have 12 cm (4.7 in) long tail streamers. Male and female Abyssinian rollers look similar, but juveniles are a duller version of adults. The Abyssinian roller is striking in its strong, direct flight: the brilliant blue of its wings contrasts with its brown back, and its long tail streamers trail behind it. Its calls are a harsh, crow-like gak sound, or a screeched aaaargh. This species is native to tropical Africa. Its range extends from southern Mauritania and Senegal in the west, to Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Kenya in the east. It can also be found in south-western Saudi Arabia and western Yemen. It is a common bird that lives in warm open country with scattered trees, and it has adapted to living on farmland and around human settlements. Abyssinian rollers often perch visibly on trees, posts or overhead wires, similar to giant shrikes, while they watch for the large insects and small rodents that they eat. They will dash into the smoke of forest fires to catch disturbed invertebrates. They are fearless birds, and will dive and roll at humans and other intruders. Their courtship display is similar to that of a lapwing, with the twists and turns that give the roller group its English common name. It nests in a scantily lined hole in a tree or building, and lays clutches of three to six eggs.
