How to identify the Lilac-breasted Roller

To correctly identify the Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

35-38 cm (including tail streamers)

Wingspan

50-58 cm

Weight

80-160 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a bright lilac breast, a turquoise-blue belly, and a dark blue-black vent. The crown and nape are greenish-blue, fading to a lilac-pink mantle. The back is brown, and the rump is bright blue. The wings are a stunning combination of dark blue, turquoise, and black primaries. The tail is dark blue with two elongated outer tail feathers (streamers) that can add up to 8 cm to its length. A white stripe runs above the eye.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Strong, slightly hooked, and relatively short black beak.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dull yellow to olive-brown.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of the lilac breast, turquoise belly, and elongated outer tail feathers are unique. The brilliant blue and black wing pattern is highly visible in flight.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller overall, with less vibrant colors. The lilac on the breast is paler and more brownish, and the turquoise on the belly is less intense. The tail streamers are shorter or absent. They have a more mottled appearance.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly duller when worn before molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are monomorphic, meaning they look identical in plumage. Males may have slightly longer tail streamers on average, but this is not a reliable field mark.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration. Look for the unmistakable combination of a bright lilac breast, turquoise belly, and brilliant blue wings. The brown back and greenish-blue crown are also key.
• Tail Streamers. Observe the two elongated outer tail feathers, which are a distinctive feature, especially in adults.
• Perching Behavior. Often seen perched conspicuously on high vantage points like dead trees, telephone wires, or tall bushes, scanning the ground for prey.
• Flight Display. During the breeding season, watch for their spectacular aerial courtship displays, involving rolls and dives, which are unique to rollers.
• Call. Listen for their harsh, raspy 'rak-rak-rak' or 'kraaaak' calls, often given in flight or from a perch.

Explore the Lilac-breasted Roller