The broad-billed roller is a member of the roller family of birds which breeds across tropical Africa and Madagascar in all but the driest regions. It is a wet season breeder, which migrates from the northern and southern areas of its range towards the moister equatorial belt in the dry season.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar
Typical Environment
Found across tropical Africa and Madagascar, absent only from the driest deserts. It favors open woodland, forest edges, riverine corridors, and savanna with scattered tall trees for perching. It also uses clearings, secondary growth, and cultivated landscapes with remnant trees. During the non-breeding season it concentrates in the wetter equatorial belt where flying insects remain abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking roller performs looping display flights at dusk, giving harsh, rolling calls. It feeds by sallying out from exposed perches to snatch large flying insects, and often hunts over recently burned areas where prey is abundant. In the dry season it shifts toward the moister equatorial belt, returning to breed with the rains. Its broad, strong bill is adapted to catching beetles, grasshoppers, and other robust insects in flight.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs perched conspicuously on exposed branches. Breeds in the wet season, typically using cavities in trees for nesting. Pairs perform display flights and vocal duets around territories. Outside breeding, small loose groups may form in areas with abundant food.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Calls are harsh, rolling chatters and guttural croaks delivered from a perch or during display flights. The vocalizations carry well at dawn and dusk and may intensify around nest sites.
