Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
I have posted on this bird before and to see that post CLICK HERE.
During the breeding season, the male will fly to great heights, and descend in swoops and dives, uttering harsh inconsistent cries to it’s normal. I wonder if that is where the name Roller comes from… and a little more research uncovers the following … “Rollers get their name from their impressive courtship flight, a fast, shallow dive from considerable elevation with a rolling or fast rocking motion, accompanied by loud raucous calls.” well I was right then…
This species is the national bird of Botswana and Kenya. (Now I didn’t know that, just shows what a bit of research can uncover)
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
We have very few birds with such amazing brilliant colors as you do. I live following your Blog!
Thank you… yes this one is very special, as are a few of similar specie I have yet to capture…
Reminded me of an aging hippie wearing a tie-dyed shirt. 😉 Actually quite a colorful character–just like the photographer who took the snaps! 🙂
Thanks Lorna… I wonder if that’s not where we got the idea for the old Tie dye garments that even I wore… never smoked the weed but had the long hair and bell bottoms…
I can picture you. 🙂
Such stunning colors this little guy has! Turquoise and purple remind me of my dearly departed friend Barb, a gifted artist who painted almost exclusively with these two colors. 🙂
It is an amazing bird that catches my eye every visit we make to the lowveld… it is one that seems to stand out above all others when it comes to colours…
The image titled “trip 124” really shows this bird’s gorgeous lilac breast! I’m so amazed by all the nature surrounding you. Can I tell you again how much I appreciate you sharing it all with us!?
Thank you so much… and here I was beginning to think I must be boring you all… now I know I’m not… Thank you again
Love the colors and its soaring nature.
Thanks Frank.. a real beaut..
A lot of men can learn a lot from this very impressive Roller. Courtship is an Art. It is meant to win the heart of the person we admire. This flying fella knows how to sweep his destined partner off her feet. Have a great weekend!
You have a great weekend too… yes the bird certainly has the dress to do the job as well…
So beautiful and such soft lovely colouring! Thanks Bulldog.
Thank you..
Absolutely great captures bulldog. What a beautiful bird! 😀
Thank you Sonel… wish they flew around here in the highveld…
Wow….beautiful!
Thanks…
What a beautiful bird. The colors are stunning–great shots, Bulldog!! 😀
Thanks Skye…
Your rollers are so cute and so well captured 🙂 I am impressed with your header photo, Bulldog 🙂
Thank you Paula… it is a herd I photographed in my favourite place…. The Kalahari Gemsbok Park…
Fantastic work, Bulldog 🙂
Well just like everyone else, im in awe of the beautiful colours on this bird. Thanks for sharing Bulldog 🙂
Thank you Amanda.. it is probably one of the most colourful I know…
Amazing colours for such a small bird…and your earlier photos show it off even more.
Thanks Brian…
I so adore the colors!! Great shots as always!
Thanks Cee..
What a pretty little bird – I love the colours!
Thanks Diana..
Stunning bird Bulldog – so colorful. Great shots!
Thank you.. a true smogersboard of colours…
What a pretty, colorful bird.
Thank you…
What a colourful bird! Beautiful 🙂
Thank you I think so too
It’s a very colourful bird, isn’t it?
A beaut….
Who’s a pretty birdie now? That second shot he just looks so serious. Thanks for sharing this one 🙂
Has that look about him… Mrs. P. has just mentioned it.. that look of aggression…
Waving hello to Mrs. P
There was a time when people saw a bird they liked and said… That would make a BEAUTIFUL HAT!
Yep your right… happily not any more…
I know think of how many birds we lost because of that craze.
Beautiful colorings…but if you look at it straight on at the second shot, it has a similar look as a small bird of prey…sort of a “don’t mess with me look, I’ll eat you”. Wondering if they can be particularly aggressive or protective?
They are pretty aggressive when swooping down to capture their prey on the ground… but I’m not sure it’s as aggressive as it looks…
We saw a few in Botswana. Charming creatures.
They are lovely .. such colours as they fly as well
Some of these bird species like their colours, no doubt for display?
This is one of those birds that I suppose uses it’s colours as a camo… sitting high in trees looking down for it’s meal…
Lovely bird and very colourful. (Suzanne)
Thank you…
this is so beautiful bird, especially colours fascinated me. Thank you dear Rob, you did great shots. Love, nia
Thank you Nia…
Beautiful bird and such beautiful colours 🙂
Looks like it was painted by someone that had a lot of colours left on the palette…
Beautiful bird, and such amazing pictures!
Thanks Ute… much appreciated…