FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The lilac-breasted roller, also known as the lilac-throated roller, is a bird from the Aves class and the Coraciidae family. The lilac-breasted roller is Kenya's national bird and famous for its other names such as fork-tailed roller and Mosilikatze's roller. The lilac-breasted roller is a southern African bird usually found in open woodland and savanna areas that are generally warm in temperature.
A wild lilac-breasted roller weighs around 0.22-0.24 lb (104-110 g) and grows to 14-15 in (36-38 cm) in length. They are undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous birds in the world, with a combination of eight attractive colors. Their head is green and white and they have a lilac throat, dark blue tail, and bluish feathers with pink feet. They generally find their home on tall trees that are safe from predators and they prey on grasshoppers, beetles, and small amphibians as they are carnivorous birds. Their breeding season differs based on the different regions the bird resides in. A female lilac-breasted roller lays between two and four eggs at a time, and both parents have to participate equally for an incubation period of 22-24 days. Lilac-breasted rollers don't migrate much and are very defensive of their territory.
If you enjoy reading these facts, you can also check out our articles on the secretary bird or the red bat.
The lilac-throated roller belongs to the category of birds. The beautiful lilac-breasted roller is Kenya's national bird and is generally found in southern Africa (specifically northeastern South Africa near open woodlands areas and savanna). The lilac-breasted roller belongs to the Animalia kingdom and the Coraciidae family.
Lilac-breasted rollers belong to the Aves class. The scientific name of the lilac-breasted roller is Coracias caudatus. Lilac-breasted rollers usually prefer living in warm areas of Europe, South Africa, and Australia. They are also known by the name fork-tailed roller.
There has been no specific study conducted regarding the exact population of lilac-breasted rollers. The lilac-breasted roller is Kenya's national bird and is usually found in southern parts of Africa. The population of the lilac throated roller is stable according to its conservation status by the IUCN and lilac-breasted rollers are one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
Lilac-breasted rollers prefer warm areas for living. That is the main reason why they live in woodland and savanna regions. The lilac-breasted roller is very territorial and is also thought to be monogamous. They are one of the most beautiful birds, and you can also see them in numerous national parks. This African wild bird selects a tall tree or pole that can serve as a perch. They eat small prey on the ground but bring large prey back to their perch.
The lilac-breasted roller, also known as the fork-tailed roller, is the national bird of Kenya, but it originated from South Africa. It can also be found in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the islands of the South Pacific, as well as in Africa. The typical lilac-breasted roller habitat consists of open woodland or scattered trees and savannah regions, bushy game lands, and areas with well-spaced trees.
Lilac-breasted rollers are very protective over their territory and don't like migration. They select tall trees or poles for nesting and some lilac-breasted rollers even nest in old termite mounds. They have a fork-structured tail and dark blue wings. The lilac-breasted roller is known to be one of the most appealing birds to look at. They prey on arthropods and small animals like scorpions, snails, spiders, and generally small insects. They consume small insects or animals on the ground and take large prey back to their perch (on the tops of trees). The lilac-breasted roller prefers nesting at the top of trees, poles, and other high vantage points so that they can spot insects, lizards, and other invertebrates easily.
Lilac-breasted rollers choose warmer areas for living. Southern Africa is known for the presence of this beautiful bird and, whilst this bird comes under the category of small birds who generally live in pairs or small groups, the lilac-breasted roller species usually prefer living alone.
The life span of this super cute bird is about 10 years. This national bird of Kenya doesn't partake in migration, instead, these small African birds do their own nesting and live in warm areas such as woodlands and scattered trees. They rely on preying on small vertebrates to survive.
The lilac-breasted roller is said to be monogamous, which means they mate with only one partner at a time. Lilac-breasted rollers during a courtship flight, first fly upwards then tip forward with their wings closed before flapping their wings to gain speed towards the ground. Both male and femalelilac-breasted rollers are equally responsible for protecting the nest. One of the pairs will fly round and round of the nest to distract the predators. The breeding season takes place at different times in different areas. Roller birds usually build their nest 16 feet above the ground. Female Lilac-Breasted Roller lays two to four eggs per breeding season, and both male and female bird supports during the incubating period of 22 to 24 days. Chicks are born helpless and usually start getting feathers in 18-20 days.
The population of lilac birds is stable and they are not endangered. It falls under the category of Least Concern as listed by the IUCN.
The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias) is a bird species from eastern and southern Africa that is also known as the fork-tail roller and the lilac roller. They have eight colors on their bodies, namely green, white, black, yellow, turquoise, dark blue, reddish-brown, and lilac.
They have a skin type which is a mixture of fur and feathers. The lilac roller is a beautiful bird with a green head, lilac and white throat, and pink legs. Both males and females of these birds have the same color combination and this species weighs about 0.22-0.24 lb (104-110 g) and is 14-15 in (36-38 cm) in length. Their wings are 19.7-22.8 in (50-58 cm) wide. This is an African wild bird generally found in warm areas that currently has a stable population. Its tail and feathers help the lilac-breasted roller in flight and they prey on small insects and build their nest approximately 16 ft from the ground.
The lilac-breasted roller bird is one the cutest, most attractive birds in the wild. They are pleasing to look at with their lilac breast and colorful bodies, even if they are just resting. Watching the lilac-breasted roller fly as if it were performing acrobatics with its wings is a truly beautiful sight.
They are very loud birds. A typical lilac-breasted roller call sounds like 'rak-rak-rak' or 'zaaaaaak'. They are loud both during the breeding season and when protecting their territories. They also communicate with their partners about food and nesting.
They are about 14-15 in (36-38 cm) long. They are four to five times bigger than a sparrow.
During flight, the lilac-breasted roller can achieve a considerable speed which helps them perform their acrobatic flying tricks. However, the precise speed of these birds has not been recorded yet.
The average weight of a lilac-breasted roller is about 0.22-0.24 lb (104-110 g).
There is no specific name for male and female lilac-breasted rollers.
Baby lilac-breasted rollers are known as 'chicks'. They are born helpless and start becoming adults after a period of 18-24 days.
Lilac-breasted rollers are carnivores, and they usually prey on grasshoppers, beetles, spiders, scorpions, and occasionally lizards, crabs, arthropods, and small amphibians. They swallow small insect-like creatures on the ground and usually take big prey back to their nest.
They can fly up to 33 ft (10 m). Interestingly, they mate during their flights which makes flying an important feature for them.
Whilst they are not a common pet, you can have these birds as a pet. They are birds who need a warm temperature and an open place to live and the lilac-breasted roller diet will be among the many important things you have to take care of if you own this bird as they are carnivores and their diet involves lots of small animals. A lilac-breasted roller pet is certainly one of the most colorful pets to have!
Let's check out some of the best lilac-breasted roller bird facts! For example, Kenya considers lilac-breasted rollers to be their national bird, that's how breathtakingly beautiful they are.
When it comes to the name of the lilac-breasted roller, in Swahili they are simply called 'kambu'.
Although the lilac-breasted roller is unique by itself, they have another sub-species called the blue-breasted roller.
Their courtship session happens in flight involving a spectacular display of acrobatics.
Sometimes lilac-breasted rollers are spotted near brush fires. Brush fires are fires that farmers set on agricultural land. These fires attract tiny insects that the lilac-breasted roller preys on.
Whilst some lilac-breasted rollers in some areas do migrate, many don't and are very protective about their territories.
As mentioned above, the lilac-breasted roller is Kenya's national bird, but they are not exclusive to Kenya; they can also be found in the wild and in many national parks worldwide.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds, including the frigate bird or the hawk.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our lilac-breasted roller coloring pages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilac-breasted_roller
https://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-lilac-breasted-roller.html
https://animalia.bio/lilac-breasted-roller
https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/librol2/cur/introduction
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.