The European roller bird is a medium-sized and sturdy creature that has a noticeable head, slightly curved beak, long and thick tail, and short wings. What makes it stand out is its stunning blue head and underbelly that contrasts beautifully with its rust-colored back and black flight feathers.
The striking feathers are found in both genders of the species. Young birds, on the other hand, appear less vibrant than their fully grown counterparts.
The European roller has a distinctive habitat and range. Even though it mainly breeds in Europe, it can also be found in other regions such as Morocco, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
The bird prefers locations that are warm and dry, especially those with broad spaces and a few trees like oak and pine forests. It’s also spotted in places like farms, fields, and orchards that have some greenery.
When it comes to food, the European roller likes to chow down on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles. But that’s not all – it also likes to munch on small reptiles, rodents, and even frogs!
European rollers engage in monogamous mating during May and June, where they perform breathtaking acrobatic courtship rituals in the sky. This behavior is what earned them the nickname “roller birds.” They nest in cliff crevices or tree holes after successful mating, with females laying a clutch of two to six eggs with intervals of two to three days. The females then take on the responsibility of incubating the eggs collectively for half a month to 19 days. After hatching, the juvenile birds rely on their parents for nurturing for around a month before leaving the nest within three to four weeks.
The European roller is usually spotted either on its own or in small groups and likes to sit atop posts, wires, and trees. It may not look very impressive when sitting still. But, it’s called a roller because of the amazing shows it puts on during courtship or territorial flights. During these displays, the bird flaunts its vibrant turquoise wings, which are truly captivating.
The European roller is a bird that embarks on lengthy travels, covering great distances. When the weather turns cold, it flies to areas located south of the Sahara in Africa, where it tends to choose dry wooded savannas and busy plains as its preferred wintering spots.
According to the IUCN Red List, this feathered creature is classified as being of minimal concern.
Why not take a moment to tune in to this feathered creature’s song: