European Roller
As this species is a bird that requires warmth to live, it migrates from Europe to Africa during the colder days. There, the European Roller overwinters. Its appearance is unmistakable compared to other birds.
Appearance
Since this species is a bird that requires warmth to live, it migrates from Europe to Africa during the cold days. There, the European Roller overwinters. Its appearance is not to be confused with other birds. The head, underside, and upper side of the wings are colored turquoise blue. The back has a brown coloration. Particularly striking is its large head with its beak. This is dark, slightly hooked, and curved downward. An adult bird has a body length of up to 32 cm, with a body weight of up to 160 grams. Its voice sounds very harsh. The European Roller is a loner, but it is also possible for it to live as a pair. It is particularly active in the early morning hours and late afternoon.
How the European Roller feeds and reproduces
From a distance, it targets its prey. It usually does this from a perch. Its diet consists mainly of beetles, but it does not reject other insects such as grasshoppers. It also hunts small reptiles or small mammals. On its way to Africa, the European Roller also consumes plant-based food in the form of grapes or figs. Since it is a cavity nester, these birds depend on existing woodpecker holes or other tree cavities. If these are not available, it digs its own nesting burrows in sandstone or loam. From mid-May, the female bird lays the eggs. The usually four to six eggs are then incubated by her and after about 18 days the young birds hatch. At this stage, they are still blind and naked. They are fed and protected by the parent birds for a period of about 30 days. After that, they fledge.
