The Coraciidae
One specie from the coraciiforms
Brief Background
The Coraciidae family, known in ornithology as the Coraciids, belongs to the order Coraciiformes. This study covers all the necessary aspects of ornithology to learn all the details about this family.
Appearance and Behaviour
Like the hoopoe, the kingfisher, and the bee-eater, the Coraciidae or rollers are peculiar birds. They form a group comprising 14 species ranging from 24 to 50 cm in length. The beak is strong, quite long, and rounded with a hooked tip. The legs are rather short, the wings are broad, and the tail is sometimes straight or notched. They all display splendid colours dominated by green, blue, and brown, enhanced by metallic reflections.
Their flight is fast and enduring. Whether they live in Europe or in hot regions, rollers prefer wooded areas interspersed with open spaces and areas with low vegetation.
Food
Their food consists of large insects, amphibians, small birds or rodents, and even scorpions, captured from a perching position.
Reproduction
Rollers live in isolated pairs, and only favourable areas can bring individuals together, given their quarrelsome nature. They nest in tree cavities, walls, and even on the ground. The clutch consists of 3 to 6 smooth white eggs.
Both adults participate in incubation and raising the young. With 1 species in Europe, 3 in Asia, and 6 in Africa, rollers are absent from Australia and America.
Distribution
On the other hand, the broadbills, other members of this family, known for their 4 species, are found in Australia, Africa, and Asia.
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A final word
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