Birds A-Z

European Roller

Coracias garrulus
EUROPEAN ROLLER

Listen:

Jarek Matusiak, Xeno-canto

Gallery:

Key information: The Roller is an impressive-looking bird that can be seen in farmland areas usually perched on electricity wires or other high spots. Although it resembles a crow, it is more related to the Bee-eater and the Kingfisher. Its thick bill makes the head look much larger in relation to the body size. It nests in holes, mainly in cliffs found next to rivers, in valleys and foothills. Cyprus is important for this species as it hosts a significant amount of the global population.

Length: 29 – 32 cm

Habitat: Farmland

When they can be seen: Autumn, spring, summer

What they eat: Invertebrates, reptiles

In Cyprus: Can be seen at Akamas, Diarizos, Xeros and Pentaschoinos Valleys and Karpasia Peninsula

Status: Migrant breeder, passage migrant

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis

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