The Indochinese roller or Burmese roller, is a member of the roller bird family. It occurs widely from Nepal, eastern India to Myanmar and Southeast Asia. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia and northeastern South Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern India and Bangladesh through Myanmar and Indochina (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam) into southern China. Prefers open woodlands, farmland mosaics, dry forests, savannas, and edges of villages and towns. Common along roadsides and in agricultural plains where it uses exposed perches to hunt. It tolerates human-altered landscapes and often frequents parks and orchards.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Indochinese roller, also called the Burmese roller, is a striking blue and brown bird often seen perched on wires over open country. It hunts by sallying to the ground to snatch large insects and small vertebrates. During courtship it performs acrobatic display flights and is conspicuous in urban and agricultural landscapes. Its brilliant electric-blue wing panels are especially vivid in flight.
A flying Coracias affinis in Assam, India
In Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
In Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
Temperament
territorial and conspicuous
Flight Pattern
strong flier with shallow wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often perched prominently on wires or exposed branches. Monogamous pairs nest in tree cavities, walls, or holes in dead palms, with both sexes involved in nest defense. Displays include dramatic dive-and-roll flights during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, grating rattles and repeated croaks, often given in flight or from a perch. Calls carry well over open country and intensify during territorial and courtship displays.
