Blue-bellied Roller
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Named for their colorful blue stomach, blue-bellied rollers have cream-colored heads and chests; darker blue wings; and a vibrant, slightly forked tail. They can reach 12 inches in length and average five ounces in weight. These striking birds feed primarily on large insects. Breeding typically occur from April to July, with females laying two to three eggs.
Interesting Fact 1
Blue-bellied rollers were partially named for their intricate, tumbling courtship displays.
Interesting Fact 2
These brave, pigeon-sized birds will venture to the boundaries of wildfires to capture insects fleeing the flames.
Interesting Fact 3
They use a unique hunting tactic: dive-bombing prey from a perch dozens of feet in the air.
Species Survival Plan®
We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
Support Your Zoo
Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
