Range: Widespread in Africa south of Congo basin, apart from the extreme south; also found north to East Africa, Ethiopia, Somalia.
Habitat: Grasslands; open woods; regions where palm trees grow singly.
Description: Lengthened tail feathers; sexes alike; band on forehead and stripe on eyebrow white; lores and ear coverts brown; area of cheek and chin white; crown green as far as nape, covered with light blue cere; upper parts purplish-red with white quill marks, lower parts light blue; rump and upper tail coverts cobalt blue; wings show various shades of blue; outer flights black, others greenish-blue with brown quill stripes; beak black; irises brown; feet and legs brown; length about l2 inches (30 cm).
Adaptations/Habitat: The lilac-breasted roller will perch on a dead tree, surveying the area for prey. One typical aspect of its behavior is to prey on animals fleeing from bush fires. It is a swift flier, indulging in acrobatics in the breeding season. They actually breed "on the wing." They live in pairs or small groups, but are often seen alone. Their call is a loud harsh squawk. They are partly migratory, but in some areas they are sedentary.
Breeding/Growth:
Diet: Grasshoppers, beetles, occasionally lizards, crabs, and small amphibians. They take prey from the ground.
