The Abyssinian roller, or Senegal roller, is a member of the roller family of birds which breeds across tropical Africa in a belt south of the Sahara, known as the Sahel. It is resident in the southern part of its range, but northern breeding populations are short-distance migrants, moving further south after the wet season.
Region
Sahel and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across a broad belt south of the Sahara from Senegal and Gambia east through Mali, Niger, northern Nigeria and Chad to Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and into Somalia, northern Uganda, and western Kenya. It favors open savanna, wooded grassland, and cultivation with scattered trees. The species often uses roadside avenues, riverine strips, and village edges where perches are plentiful. It avoids dense closed forest but readily occupies mosaics of farmland and bush.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A conspicuous perch-hunter, the Abyssinian roller often sits on roadside wires and trees before swooping to the ground after prey. During courtship it performs dramatic rolling dives and twists that give the roller family its name. It is frequently attracted to grassfires and grazing livestock where insects are flushed, making it a helpful controller of agricultural pests.
Temperament
bold and conspicuous
Flight Pattern
strong flier with showy rolling dives
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups perched prominently. Breeds in natural cavities, often in tree holes or eroded banks, laying a small clutch that both sexes guard. Pairs defend territories vigorously during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are loud, harsh croaks and grating squawks, often given in flight. Display flights are accompanied by excited chattering and rasping notes that carry over open country.
