Bio Facts: Roller, Racket-tailed
Common Name:
Racket-tailed Roller
Scientific Name:
Coracias spatulata
Family:
Coraciidae
Order:
Coraciiformes
Class:
Aves
Range:
S. Angola, S.E. Zaire and through Zimbabwe to N.E. South Africa
Habitat:
Open woodlands
Description:
Subtly colored; has a vivid blue forward on edge of wings. Sexes are colored alike. Length is approximately 16 inches. Tail has an elongated pair of outer feathers ending in expanded tips that give this species its name.
Life Expectancy:
Approximately 20 to 25 years
Sexual Maturity:
2 years of age
Diet:
In the wild, they eat insects such as flying ants, termites, grasshoppers, crickets, centipedes, and scorpions.
Status:
Not listed
Behaviors:
In the wild, racquet-tailed rollers occur singly or in pairs unless migrating, at which time they form loose flocks. They are usually observed perched on some vantage point, such as a telegraph pole, dead branch, or termite hill.
Females usually lay three eggs at a time and may lay twice a year, depending on the food supply.
Adaptations:
Racquet tailed rollers are well adapted for flight.
Special Interest:
Rollers get their name from their acrobatic flight, often rolling over and somersaulting in midair.
Conservation:
Not endangered
Jacksonville Zoo History:
This species has been part of the animal collection since November 1996. It has successfully reproduced here.
Last Revised:
2001
