The blue-throated roller is a species of roller in the family Coraciidae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found across the African tropical rainforest belt from West Africa through the Congo Basin, often at forest edges, clearings, riparian strips, and degraded secondary woodland. It favors tall perches along roads, plantations, and rivers from which it sallies for prey. The species adapts to mosaic landscapes where forest meets open areas, but is less common deep inside closed-canopy forest. It tolerates some disturbance and can persist near human settlements if perches and prey are available.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-throated roller is a forest-edge specialist that hunts insects by sallying out from exposed perches. Its acrobatic display flights with rolling dives give the roller family its name. Bright blue wing patches flash vividly in flight, making it easier to spot along clearings and river corridors in West and Central Africa.
a specimen at Nairobi National Museum
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short rapid wingbeats and agile, rolling display dives
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs perched high on exposed snags or wires. Pairs nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, often at forest edges. They are monogamous, and both adults participate in nest defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, grating rattles and croaks delivered from a perch or during display flights. Calls often accelerate and become more excited during territorial encounters.
Plumage
Dark brown to dusky upperparts with a glossy sheen, contrasting with a bright blue throat and bluish underparts. In flight, striking cobalt-blue patches on the primaries and coverts show against darker flight feathers. Tail is dark with subtle pale tips and a squarish end.
Diet
Primarily takes large flying insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas, and wasps, often caught on the wing. It sallies from a high perch to snatch prey and returns to the perch to subdue it. Occasionally it takes caterpillars or small vertebrates like lizards, but these are secondary to insects.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, clearings, riparian corridors, and over farms or plantations with scattered tall trees. Frequently uses exposed dead branches, utility lines, or emergent trees as vantage points.
