The striking colors and suspicious, aware intelligence of this South African Lilac Breasted Roller just drew me to her. I call her Lilly
The Lilac Breasted Roller is an African member of the roller family of birds and the National Bird of Kenya. It is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, preferring open woodland and savanna; it is largely absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds and rodents moving about at ground level.
Nesting takes place in a natural hole in a tree where a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs is laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defense of their nest, taking on raptors and other birds. During the breeding season, the male will rise to great heights, descending in swoops and dives, while uttering harsh, discordant cries.
From photography by our daughter Emma Shelton.
Dimensions:
Unframed – 46cm x 61cm (18″ x 24″)
Framed – 48cm x 64cm (19″ x 25″)
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