BirdLeast Concern
Lilac-breasted Roller
Coracias caudatus
See Africa's most beautiful bird, the Lilac-breasted Roller, in its natural habitat on a Kenya safari with Samton Safaris. Luxury and personalized tours, guided by experienced locals.
About the Lilac-breasted Roller
The lilac-breasted roller is widely considered the most beautiful bird in Africa and is the unofficial symbol of the East African safari experience. Its spectacular plumage features at least eight different colours: lilac, turquoise, royal blue, green, white, black, cinnamon, and violet.
These birds are commonly seen perched on thorny acacia branches or fence posts across the savanna, swooping down to catch insects on the ground. Their acrobatic mating display — a dramatic rolling dive — gives the species its name.
Fun Facts
1
They display at least 8 different colours in their plumage
2
Their rolling mating display gives them their name
3
They are monogamous and both parents help raise the chicks
4
Lilac-breasted rollers are the national bird of Kenya
Best Places
Where to See the Lilac-breasted Roller
These are the top destinations where you have the best chance of spotting the Lilac-breasted Roller in the wild.
More Safari Animals
WILDLIFE SAFARI
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