Knowra Coraciidae Coraciidae Coraciidae is a family of birds known as rollers, including the genera Coracias and Eurystomus. Its members are Old World birds, many with vivid plumage and conspicuous aerial displays.
Coraciiformes : An order of birds that includes rollers, kingfishers, bee-eaters, and related groups. Coraciidae is classified within this broader order.
Aerial hawking : A foraging method in which an animal catches prey while flying. Many rollers pursue insects in flight or seize prey after launching from a perch.
Lilac-breasted roller : An African roller, Coracias caudatus, recognized by its vivid lilac breast and blue plumage. It is a striking example of the colorful Coracias rollers.
Kingfisher : A bird in the family Alcedinidae, often known for fishing and a large, pointed bill. Kingfishers share the order Coraciiformes with rollers but belong to a separate family.
Coracias : A genus of rollers that includes the European roller and lilac-breasted roller. This is one of the two genera named in the family’s definition.
Insectivore : An animal whose diet consists primarily of insects. Insects are a major food source for many roller species.
Indian roller : A roller, Coracias benghalensis, found across parts of South Asia. Its broad distribution makes it a familiar regional representative of the family.
Bee-eater : A slender bird in the family Meropidae that catches flying insects, often including bees. Bee-eaters are another aerial-feeding coraciiform family.
Eurystomus : A genus of rollers commonly called broad-billed rollers. Its broad-billed rollers form the family’s other principal genus.
Perching : The behavior of resting or waiting on an elevated support, such as a branch or wire. Rollers often watch for prey from exposed perches.
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