Fauna
Bird

Indian Roller

Coracias benghalensis

Also known as Neelkanth, Southern Roller

Indian rollers display striking sapphire and sky-blue plumage on their wings and tails in flight, contrasting with their muted brownish backs while perched. Renowned for acrobatic courtship displays, males perform thrilling aerial dives, tumbles, and loops accompanied by harsh, grating calls. They frequent open agricultural fields and roadside perches across South Asia, swooping down to capture large insects and small reptiles on the ground.

Acrobatic FlightColorfulInsectivore
Indian Roller reference1 / 7
(c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBeetles, Grasshoppers, Small Lizards
Predators
  • Raptors
  • Snakes
  • Domestic Cats
ThreatsPesticide accumulation reducing insect prey, habitat loss, collisions with vehicles
HabitatsOpen cultivated fields, scrublands, thin tropical forests, parks, and roadside perches
Life span8–12 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCoraciidae
  2. SpeciesCoracias benghalensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognized by a pinkish throat, brownish back, and brilliant electric-blue wing patches revealed in flight.
Support conservation
Keep distance from perches and active nesting cavities to avoid causing flush stress.
Responsible observation
  • Perch Spotting: Look along fence posts and roadside cables in open countryside where individuals hunt.
  • Flight Viewing: Watch for sudden downward swoops to see the brilliant flash of electric blue wings.
  • Nesting Etiquette: Avoid disturbing tree hollows and wall cavities during the springtime breeding season.
Related species
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