Blue Bellied Roller

Named for the brilliant blue colour of its stomach, the Blue Bellied Roller is native to Africa, from Senegal to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It inhabits mature moist savannas containing trees and forest edges.

It is a large bird, 34 – 36 cm (14 – 15 in) including the long forked tail. It has a heavy, black beak which accentuates the white head. They are carnivorous, eating a wide variety of insects as well as small reptiles.

Blue Bellied Rollers gather in small groups of 3 – 7 individuals. During the breeding season they become very territorial when nesting.

Fun Facts!

  • Blue Bellied Rollers spend most of their time perched in a tree from which they can spot their prey on the ground.
  • They will fly to the boundary of a forest fire to eat the insects that are forced out by the flames.

Blue Bellied Roller @ Safari Niagara

  • The two Blue Bellied Rollers at Safari Niagara are named Rollie and Bell.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Coraciforms
Family:Coracidae
Genus:Coracias
Species:Coracias cyanogaster

Did you know?

  • Because of its brilliant colours this bird is a favourite for exhibiting in zoos.
  • It is not considered an endangered species in the wild.