Fauna
Bird

Dollarbird

Eurystomus orientalis

Also known as Oriental Dollarbird, Asian Dollarbird, Eastern Broad-billed Roller

Dollarbirds inhabit sunny woodland edges, clearings, and river valleys across South Asia, East Asia, and Australasia. Easily recognized by their deep violet-blue plumage, bright red-orange bill, and silvery wing discs, these acrobatic rollers spend hours perched on high bare snags scanning for airborne prey. When hunting, they launch into broad-winged swoops to capture large beetles, cicadas, and mantises mid-flight.

MigratoryInsectivorousAerial Acrobat
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyBeetles, Cicadas, Praying Mantises
Predators
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Brown Goshawk
  • Carpet Python
ThreatsLoss of old hollow-bearing nest trees due to land clearing
HabitatsOpen woodlands, forest edges, river valleys, savannas, plantations
Life span8–12 years
  1. FamilyCoraciidae
  2. SpeciesEurystomus orientalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe from a distance at high tree perches.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Perches: Search high on dead tree snags or power lines bordering forest clearings.
  • Flight Identification: Look for the distinctive silver-white coin spots flashing under the wings in flight.
  • Breeding Etiquette: Keep clear of hollow nest trees in spring to prevent nest disruption.
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