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.