The Abyssinian roller sometimes called The Senegal roller gets its name from its impressive aerial acrobatics during courtship.
Bird information.
Where can we see an Abyssinian roller?
The pictures above were photographed at Faraba Banta rice fields and Tanji wetlands. A regular visitor to Footsteps and is guaranteed if you take the short walk to the beach. Otherwise it is common across The Gambia preferring dry open habitats with some bare ground and near water.
What does it look like?
The Abyssinian roller is a large bird, nearly the size of a jackdaw at 28–30 cm. It has a warm brown back, with the rest of the plumage mainly blue. Adults have 12 cm long tail streamers. Sexes are similar, but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. Abyssinian roller is striking in its strong direct flight, with the brilliant blues of the wings contrasting with the brown back and the long tail streamers trailing behind. Source Wikipedia.
What does it feed on?
Skilled hunters, they will eat large insects and even rodents.
Want to know an interesting Factoid?
They are fearless and will attack by diving and rolling much bigger birds and even humans.
How does it sound?
It’s call is a harsh crow-like gak sound, or a screeched aaaargh.