Coracias abyssinica.
Many consider this West Africa's most beautiful bird.
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Abyssinian or Senegal
Roller. Coracias abyssinica. Many consider this West Africa's most beautiful bird. |
| Recognition: Medium size with very long tail. Although the back is brown the rest of the plumage is mainly blue and the bird usually appears entirely blue except at close range. The tail has very elongated outer feathers that distinguish it from the migrant European Roller. A powerful black bill. |
| Distribution:. Throughout the drier northern parts of West Africa, where it is common though partially migratory. |
| Habits: Usually solitary. Conspicuous, not only by colouring, but also by perchingon telegraph wires and low bare trees, from which it swoops down to catch insects on the ground. It is aggressive towards intruding birds irrespective of size, chasing them off with harsh cries. It is attracted by grass fires. Breeding occurs in the early rains. |
| Call: A variety of harsh screechings, notably "Kreek, kreek,kreek". |
