About Coracias naevius Daudin, 1800
The purple roller (scientific name Coracias naevius Daudin, 1800) is the largest member of the roller family. Adults measure 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in) in length, and weigh between 145 and 200 g (5.1 to 7.1 oz), with an average weight of 168 g (5.9 oz). When seen from a distance, this bird appears dull brownish. It has a white stripe above the eye, a white patch on the nape, and a dark tail. Individuals from northern populations typically have a rufus crown, while those from southern populations have an olive-green crown. Its underparts are purplish-pink and marked with white streaks. It has long, rounded wings and a square-cut tail. Its call is a fairly grating "ka" or "gaa", repeated rapidly and evenly. Its preferred habitat is dry thornveld, where it spends long periods perched at the top of thorn trees or poles, scanning the ground for prey including insects, spiders, scorpions, and small lizards. During display flights, it rocks back and forth around its longitudinal axis while calling loudly. It begins its display flight above the treetops, then plummets toward the ground in a rolling descent. This species is territorial, and will drive off other rollers, small hawks, and crows during the breeding season. It is an opportunistic breeder, with breeding seasons that vary across locations; this timing is possibly linked to local rainfall. It nests in natural tree hollows, old woodpecker holes, cliff cavities, riverbank holes, pipes, or holes in masonry. It usually lays three white eggs, and both parents share incubation and feeding duties for the young.
