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The rufous-crowned roller, also known as the purple roller, is a large bird from sub-Saharan Africa that hunts insects and small vertebrates from perches in dry woodlands and savannas. It is distinguished by its dull purple-cinnamon color, white eyebrow stripe, and chestnut wings. It is the largest roller species, weighs about 125 to 200 grams, and is of "Least Concern" conservation status.
Key facts about the rufous-crowned roller
Appearance:
A bulky roller, 35 to 40 cm long, with a dull purple-cinnamon body.
Features a prominent white "eyebrow" (supercilium) and a dark eye-line.
Has chestnut-colored wings, and its underparts are pink with fine white streaks.
Habitat and behavior:
Prefers dry thornveld and open savannas.
Spends much of its time perched on top of trees or poles, scanning the ground for food.
Performs an acrobatic rolling flight display, exposing blue in its wings and tail.
Diet:
Primarily eats large insects such as locusts and grasshoppers.
Also consumes scorpions, beetles, ants, small lizards, snakes, and rodents.