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Photo.Keely | all galleries >> Travel >> Africa > Lilac Breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
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02-NOV-2013 Dick Keely

Lilac Breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)

Savuti Marsh, Chobe National Park, Botswanau

The Lilac-breasted Roller 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 2–4 eggs is laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defence 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.
The sexes are alike in coloration. Juveniles do not have the long tail feathers that adults do.
This species is the national bird of Botswana and Kenya.
Reference: Wikipedia

Nikon D800E ,Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR AF
1/2500s f/10.0 at 400.0mm iso500 full exif

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anuschka04-Sep-2015 13:13
This is just fantastic!
We tried once in Namibia to catch it flying but soon gave up.
This one is better than what our eyes saw and our brains registered.
Thanks V.
Patrick F08-Jan-2014 08:11
What a perfect shot of this natural beauties!!!! Very well done!!! V++++++
Steve Macomber31-Dec-2013 20:20
One of my favourite subjects. Well Done! V
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