Indian roller

Indian roller
Indian roller, Gujarat
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Coraciidae
Genus: Coracias
Species:
C. benghalensis
Binomial name
Coracias benghalensis
Map of southwestern and southern Asia, with shading indicating the species occurs in the Indian subcontinent and along the coasts of the Persian Gulf and the northern Arabian Sea
  breeding range
  non-breeding range
Synonyms

Corvus benghalensis Linnaeus, 1758

The Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis) is a bird of the family Coraciidae. It is 30–34 cm (12–13 in) long with a wingspan of 65–74 cm (26–29 in) and weighs 166–176 g (5.9–6.2 oz). The face and throat are pinkish, the head and back are brown, with blue on the rump and contrasting light and dark blue on the wings and tail. The bright blue markings on the wing are prominent in flight. The sexes are similar in appearance. Two subspecies are recognised.

The Indian roller occurs widely from West Asia to the Indian subcontinent. Often found perched on roadside trees and wires, it is common in open grassland and scrub forest habitats, and has adapted well to human-modified landscapes. It mainly feeds on insects, especially beetles. The species is best known for the aerobatic displays of males during the breeding season. Adult males and females form pair bonds and raise the young together. The female lays 3–5 eggs in a cavity or crevice, which is lined with a thin mat of straw or feathers. The roller is the state bird of three Indian states. It is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List.

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Coracias benghalensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22725914A94905872. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22725914A94905872.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.