Eurystomus glaucurus afer

(Latham, 1790)

Vernacular names
English : Broad-billed roller
French : Rolle violet

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Coraciiformes
Family : Coraciidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Short but broad hooked bright yellow bill. Plumage rich cinnamon-rufous, violet-blue flight feathers, dull blue undertail. Subspecies with light violet tinge to breast and belly, brown-tipped uppertail.

Range and habitat
Subspecies occurs from Senegal and Liberia to Eritrea, north Kenya and Uganda, west to north Angola. Found in woodlands, forest clearings, grasslands, cultivated areas, to 2500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species seems to be globally common and widespread, even in Madagascar (except on the high plateau). Adaptable to man-made environments as long as trees subsist.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore)

 

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