The purple-winged roller is a species of bird in the family Coraciidae. It is endemic to the Sulawesi subregion in Indonesia and can be found on the islands of Sulawesi, Bangka, Lembeh, Manterawu, Muna and Butung.
Region
Wallacea (Sulawesi subregion, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands including Bangka, Lembeh, Muna, and Buton (Butung). It favors lowland and foothill forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and open woodland with scattered tall trees. Often seen along roadsides, in coconut groves, and near villages where perching sites are available. It avoids dense interior rainforest but benefits from mosaics of open country and forest fringe.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The purple-winged roller is a striking forest-edge roller found only in the Sulawesi subregion of Indonesia. It hunts by sallying out from exposed perches to snatch large insects and occasionally small lizards. Pairs perform dramatic rolling display flights during courtship, showing off vivid purple-blue wing panels. It nests in tree cavities, often in dead snags along forest margins or in lightly wooded farmland.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short rapid wingbeats and glides; performs rolling display flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs perched high on exposed branches, snags, or wires. Territorial pairs advertise with display flights and loud calls. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes; both parents incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, grating rattles and croaks, often given from a high perch. Calls may accelerate into a churring series during displays or territorial encounters.
Plumage
Bold, contrasting plumage with rich brown upperparts and brilliant blue to purple-blue wings and underparts; darker flight feathers create a striking wing panel in flight.
Diet
Primarily large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas, and mantises. Will also take spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards or small frogs. Hunts by sit-and-wait, sallying to the ground or catching prey in mid-air before returning to the perch to subdue it.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, plantations, and open country with scattered trees. Frequently uses roadside wires and tall dead branches as hunting perches.
