The blue-bellied roller is a member of the roller family of birds which breeds across Africa in a narrow belt from Senegal to northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is resident, apart from some local seasonal movements, in mature moist savannah dominated by Isoberlinia trees.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in a narrow belt from Senegal eastward through the Sahel and Sudanian zones to northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Prefers mature, moist savanna with scattered tall trees, especially Isoberlinia woodlands, and edges of gallery forests. Also uses wooded farmland, riparian strips, and bushy clearings where perches are available. It is largely resident, though it may shift locally with seasonal rains to track prey availability.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A striking member of the roller family, this species performs dramatic rolling and diving display flights that give the group its name. It favors tall, exposed perches from which it sallies to snatch prey on the ground. The blue-bellied roller nests in tree cavities and often uses savanna trees such as Isoberlinia. It is generally tolerant of lightly modified landscapes with scattered trees.
Fluffing its feathers
Temperament
perch-hunting and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats, performs rolling aerobatics
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups holding territories. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes; both parents incubate and feed the young. Courtship includes display flights and conspicuous calling from high perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh, and rolling, often given during display flights. Calls include repeated grating rattles and chattering notes that carry across savanna openings.
Plumage
Pale buff to creamy head and breast contrasting with a rich cobalt-blue belly and undertail. Upperparts are darker with brownish mantle and bright blue flight feathers. Long, narrow tail streamers add to its elegant silhouette in flight.
Diet
Primarily takes large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets, supplemented by caterpillars. Will also seize small vertebrates like lizards and frogs when available. Prey is usually spotted from an exposed perch and captured on or near the ground in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Open savanna and woodland edges with scattered tall trees, fence posts, or snags for perching. Frequently hunts along tracks, burned patches, and clearings where prey is easier to detect.
