Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus [C. caudata]) Somewhere
along the H1-8, December 2004. Afrikaans: Gewone troupant
French: Rollier à longs brins The Lilac-breasted Roller is a
fairly large (32-36 cm), brightly coloured bird. It is
distinguished from the similar Racket-tailed Roller by its
obviously lilac (not blue) breast, generally paler coloration,
and pointed, elongated outer tail feathers. Adults lose the
elongated tail feathers during the winter moult. Rollers have
strong, short, bills with a hooked tip to the upper mandible.
The Lilac-breasted Roller has a blackish bill and yellowish-
green or green feet and legs. The eye is dark. Male and female
are alike. The breast is a brilliant lilac colour, streaked with
white. The belly is sky blue and the wing coverts are various
shades of blue. The crown is greenish-turquoise and the rump and
tail are bright blue. There is a white patch on the forehead,
and around the dark eyes. In flight the totally blue wings are a
spectacular sight, with stunning cont