Lilac Breasted Roller

The Lilac Breasted Roller, showing off his Beauty. The national bird of both Kenya and Botswana.

These birds are typically solitary or are found in pairs, but may stay in small family groups during the winter months. They perch on high vantage points at the very tops of trees and poles, and stay still while watching for prey to approach.

After dropping onto a victim, they may beat their prey against a rock or on the ground to kill it before swallowing it whole. All rollers, including the lilac-breasted, are known for their acrobatic, agile flight.