Blue-bellied Roller

About This Animal

Blue-bellied rollers are stocky birds with short legs, about 10 inches in length. They are distinguished by their cream-colored head and neck and a brownish back, with royal blue breast, wings, and tail. They are somewhat social and can often be found in pairs or trios with other pairs nearby. Blue-bellied rollers build nests in tree cavities high above the ground and have 2–4 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts 22–24 days. Once hatched, the young fledge after a month and become independent soon afterward.

Did You Know?

• Blue-bellied rollers are ambush predators. They usually hunt from a perching position and dive to ambush insects on the ground.
• They are named for their courtship behavior, which includes a dive with aerial somersaults. Mated pairs sometimes do this together.
• Some populations are decreasing due to deforestation, but these birds have a wide distribution overall.