Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
Order: CORACIIFORMES
Family: CORACIIDAE Rollers
Scientific name: Coracias benghalensis
English name: Indian Roller
Characteristic: Size 33 cm. A large-headed, plump-looking bird. At rest it looks drab and inconspicuous. On the contrary, in fight, brilliant patches on bluish violet will appear on its wings and tail.
Distribution: Middle East, SW China and SE Asia.
Habitat: Dipterocarp forest, open grassland and open forest.
Habit: Seen mostly perching on exposed spots in open areas, and also on roadside electric cables, from where it keeps its eyes on passing preys such as insects, small amphibians and reptiles. The breeding season is between March-May; when a pair will nest in a tree cavity and lays a clutch of 3-4 eggs. Incubation takes 17-19 days.
Status: A resident bird; most frequenty seen in the dipterocarp forest along the road to the station.
