When you think of Kenya you may think of big cats like lions and leopards and the wild hippos, zebras and giraffe, but there are also hundreds of unique bird species. With a country known for its wildlife how do you choose just one bird as your national bird?
The national bird of Kenya is the lilac-breasted roller. One look at these birds’ stunning iridescent feathers and you will see why these beauties represent Kenya.
Spotting one perched in a nearby tree is quite a sight to behold but wait until you see these birds in flight. The wing feathers are a mix of dark purple and brilliant blue with black-tipped turquoise tail feathers. The lower body is turquoise and their breasts (as their name indicates) are a soft lilac. Their heads have a green crown, cream band above each eye and rust-colored cheeks. A mix of brown feathers are on their backs and wings.
The roller bird family (also known as Coraciidae) is a species of Old World birds named for their unique ability to perform aerial acrobatics in flight. This consists of side-to-side rolling motions and fast, shallow dives from high elevations. This impressive display of ability from African roller birds happens when in courtship or during territorial fights. If their courtship displays are successful, they will breed while in flight. Here are some facts about Kenya’s national bird ;
The Lilac-Breasted Roller Bird Has 8 Colors on Its Body : This is a bird of many colors. Typically, eight eye-catching tones fill their body. The top of their head is green, their chin is white, and the band around their black beak is creamy white. Moving onto their body, they have a lilac breast and a turquoise underside. The top part of their wings is reddish-brown, trimmed with royal blue. They have a turquoise tail that ends in thin black streamers. Their feet are yellow with black tips. Juveniles are duller in color. It is not until adulthood that their hues really start to pop.
One of the Roller Bird Species’ Tallest Members ; The lilac-breasted roller has a robust body, with a proportionately large head. Their average body size is around 37 cm. This length includes their tail, which is approximately 8 to 9 cm long. They have a wide wingspan of between 50 and 58 cm. Most roller bird species are between 25 to 32 cm, making this lilac-breasted bird a longer member of the roller family.
They Are Not a Dimorphic Species ; African lilac-breasted roller birds are not dimorphic, meaning there is no visible difference between the males and females. Both sexes have similar coloring and it is hard to tell them apart by looking at them. Although, the males may be slightly larger.
These Lavender Breasted Rollers Are Carnivorous Birds ; Lilac-breasted rollers are carnivorous birds. Their diet consists of arthropods and small vertebrates. They hunt a variety of small prey, including ground-dwelling insects, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, scorpions, snails, lizards, rodents, and even small birds.
Their Hunting Style is Quite Unique ; These small beautiful birds can be aggressive hunters. While surveying for food, they perch on tall vantage points, such as the very top of trees or long poles. They stay completely still while waiting for possible prey to draw near. After selecting their target, they swoop down and attack. These birds consume their prey whole. If their victim is on the larger side, they will beat it against a rock or on the ground to kill it or force it into submission.
They Can Live for a Decade in the Wild : The average life expectancy of the lilac-breasted roller is around ten years. However, they can live longer in captivity.
Humans Don’t Scare Them ; Although these roller birds don’t like to live near human settlements, they are typically unafraid of people. If you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wild, it can be relatively easy to approach and get an incredible view and photograph.
Male rollers can be dramatic during breeding season ; The male puts up an elaborate display during the breeding season, raising more than a metre and a half in the air, before swooping and diving down while uttering harsh cries.
Mate for Life, Males and Females Share Parental Duties ; These gorgeous pastel-colored birds appear to be monogamous. Adults either live in pairs, or by themselves. Lilac-breasted rollers nest in natural tree holes, termite mounds, or woodpecker and kingfisher’s nesting holes. The mother bird lays just one brood per year, which usually contains 2 to 4 plain white eggs. For 22 to 24 days, both of the parents are responsible for incubation duties. If threatened, both genders will aggressively defend their nesting territory. They will even chase off much larger predators. After the chicks hatch, they are altricial and require the care of their parents for feeding. Both will share in this responsibility for 18 to 20 days after birth.
Top 5 Fascinating Facts About the Lilac Breasted Roller
Kenya’s National Bird: The lilac-breasted roller is unofficially considered Kenya’s national bird, symbolizing the country’s rich cultural and natural diversity with its vivid, multicolored plumage.
Not Sexually Dimorphic: Both male and female lilac breasted rollers look alike, sharing the same dazzling colors and long tail streamers, making gender identification challenging without behavioral cues.
Impressive Courtship Flight: During the breeding season, these birds perform spectacular aerial acrobatics, including rolling dives and swoops, often reaching heights of up to 140 meters while uttering harsh, discordant cries.
Unique Hunting Strategy: The lilac-breasted roller is fearless and opportunistic, often hunting insects flushed out by bushfires or swooping down to catch prey mid-air, displaying remarkable agility and precision.
Territorial and Protective: Both male and female rollers fiercely defend their nesting territory, aggressively chasing away intruders, including birds of prey and other potential nest predators.
Monogamous; The birds mate for life, both male and female share 'parental' duties including incubation, feeding chicks and protecting them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I commonly find the lilac breasted roller?
The lilac breasted roller is widely distributed across eastern and southern Africa. It prefers habitats with open woodland, savanna, and scattered trees, avoiding treeless deserts. Countries like Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, and northern South Africa offer prime locations to observe this beautiful bird.
What makes the lilac breasted roller’s plumage so distinctive?
This bird features a vibrant mix of colors including lilac on the breast, turquoise underparts, a green crown, and blue and tan wings. Its multicolored feathers make it one of Africa’s most beautiful birds and a favorite among bird watchers and photographers.
Are male and female lilac breasted rollers different in appearance?
No, the lilac breasted roller is not sexually dimorphic. Both males and females share the same striking coloration and long tail streamers, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes by appearance alone.
What is the typical diet of the lilac breasted roller?
The lilac breasted roller primarily feeds on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, spiders, and scorpions. It also preys on small vertebrates like slow-moving lizards, snakes, chameleons, and small birds.
How does the lilac breasted roller hunt for its food?
This bird perches on high vantage points to spot prey and swoops down swiftly to catch insects and small animals on the ground. For larger prey, it carries them back to a perch and uses its wings to batter and dismember them before eating.
What kind of nesting behavior does the lilac breasted roller exhibit?
Lilac breasted rollers nest in natural holes in trees or termite mounds, often using cavities vacated by woodpeckers or kingfishers. Both parents share incubation duties, fiercely defending the nest from intruders.
Is the lilac breasted roller a migratory bird?
Generally, lilac breasted rollers are non-migratory but may exhibit some local nomadic movements post-breeding to find food, water, and suitable nesting sites. The lilac throated roller subspecies migrates seasonally in parts of northeast Africa.
What is the conservation status of the lilac breasted roller?
The lilac breasted roller is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide distribution and stable population. However, habitat loss from human activities remains a potential threat.
