28-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN RUFOUS CROWNED ROLLER (Coracias naevius ssp. mosambicus)

The term "Southern Rufous-crowned Roller" refers to the southern populations of the Rufous-crowned Roller (also known as the Purple Roller), a large bird found in sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike the northern populations, which have a more rufous-colored crown, these southern birds have a more olive-green crown, though the term "Rufous-crowned" is often used for the species as a whole. They are known for their predominantly dull body plumage, but they exhibit brilliant blue wings and tail in flight. 

Key characteristics

Appearance: The southern populations have an olive-green crown, a prominent white stripe above the eye, and a dull, brownish-purple body. In flight, their blue wings and violet rump are very striking.

Size: It is the largest of the roller species, measuring about 35–40 cm in length.

Habitat: They inhabit dry savannas, open woodlands, and thornveld, often perching on prominent trees or poles to hunt.

Diet: Their diet consists of large insects like locusts and grasshoppers, as well as scorpions, spiders, small lizards, and mice.

Behavior: They are diurnal and spend long periods perched while surveying for prey, which they catch by swooping down to the ground.

Vocalization: They have a harsh, grating call.