I am driving in the midday heat. The landscape is dry, dusty and barren. My attention is focused only on the sound of the vehicle and its tyres rolling over the gravel road. The bush seems desolate and devoid of life as animals take refuge in the shadows to rest as they await the cooler hours.
From the corner of my eye a sudden flash of colour bursts into view. As this blue-green-purple flash alights on the road in front of me I stop the vehicle. There’s a whipping, jumping and swinging of blue-green feathers, a flare of purple, and then a pause… success, prey has been caught! An enormous locust as long as the bird’s head.
The lilac-breasted roller stands still after having caught the locust.
After regaining my thoughts and realising that I am totally enthralled by the scene in front of me, I notice how bright and unique this bird really is. It is especially radiant in its brown, barren surroundings.
I made some edits to these photographs, but made sure not to change the natural colour of the bird. The bird really does look like this, can you believe it?
The Roller flails and beats the locust on stones and then throws it in the air to reposition it for another beating.
Lilac-breasted Rollers have a wide variety of prey species including ground-dwelling insects, spiders, scorpions, millipedes and centipedes, snails, and a wide variety of small vertebrates including small birds and rodents.
After a while the Roller flies away with the locust in its mouth looking to find a more concealed place to feed.
As I drive away, I’m considering how this magnificent bird has been the subject of mythical and cultural beliefs of a number of African tribes for hundreds of years.
After seeing this image will you ever ask where the bird gets its name?
The traditional African beliefs about the roller are connected to the ceremony of marriage or peace. In Zulu culture a couple – before being married – would have been tied together with a feather from the roller (maybe at the wrist although I’m not sure). If the feather broke before the ceremony was complete, it would have been a sign that they should not be married because their bond was not strong enough and they would not work together as a team. In Venda culture, couples would use Roller feathers as wedding rings and in Afrikaans culture roller feathers were used in wedding dresses. The Afrikaners called the roller a ‘troupant’ meaning ‘wedding band’.
I am again gazing over the barrenness of the winter African bush as I continue driving; the same landscape I was looking at ten minutes before. However, this time I am thinking of the blue-green-purple flash of colour which has historically and oftentimes through tradition connected so many people. I am also thinking about so many others who have had the pleasure of viewing this splendid bird.
Oh, and then… the fate of the locust also crossed my mind!
Lovely blog Bruce. I have always wondered why the Lilacbreasted Rolleris called a “troupant” in Afrikaans. I know it means a wedding ring, but didn’t know that it is the Zulu and Venda people who has put a symbolic meaning to it and use the feathers in wedding ceremonies. It is the most photographed bird. We saw photographers sitting for hours at a nest in the Kgalagadi. Great capture of the locust kill.
great pictures !!
These birds are so beautiful. I’d never even heard of one until I visited Londolozi. Once Shawn told me what it was, I spent the rest of the trip pointing out every single one. They are now my absolute favorite bird!
Beautifully written and a wonderful glimpse into different African wedding culture. Thank you!
Great pictures!!
What a wonderful story. It shows how things that are commonly seen can be so beautiful. People often ignore things that are commonly seen, but they are so worth to be noticed.
Spectacular photos! Thank you.
Nice blog Bruce. Most people on safaris are looking at the big picture, i.e. the big five. You have so many beautiful birds there and the lilac breasted roller is one of them. Fantastic catch of the bird’s catch and good pics of the bird as well. Thanks for sharing with us. I am a bird lover and derive a lot of pleasure watching them at my feeders.
Great story and GREAT pictures!
Bruce, whilst not a birder, this is our favorite avian to photograph … bar none!
Fabulous photos of this little, colorful bird- my favorite! Your inclusion of the African wedding customs was fascinating. Who knew a feather could represent a wedding ring or determine whether a couple was meant to be together?! Super blog 👏📷
Dear Bruce. This so reminds me of a very similar experience I had while being driven along in a Landrover on a hot afternoon until with a flash of jewel like colours, a little Lilac Breasted Roller alighted on the road in front of us and killed a Scorpion right in front of us! I asked the Ranger if he could actually eat a Scorpion? He said Rollers do. They just remove the sting. It was a fascinating little sighting which has stayed with me for years and years. The Big Five are great, but I very much enjoy little creatures / birds as well. The Bush is just a magical place, no matter what you see. Wendy M
what a great series of pictures from this beautiful coulored bird, perfect in action
Bruce, I love the Lilac Breasted Roller, and have gotten him flight – with his beautiful wing out stretched. It was so amazing that you got him in action killing a locust
I spent some time with one when we were there last year. I absolutely adore them. Due to the size of the locust, do they feed in small “bites” like raptors, or do they toss the whole thing down whole?
Hi Chelsea! Thanks for your comment. The roller will try to beat the insect (and larger prey items) into a shape that it can swallow whole! But not managing this I’m sure it will try to break it into smaller pieces using its claws and whatever else is available. They lack the ‘tearing’ bill of a raptor so will struggle to piece it apart! I hope that answers your question.
Great to learn the African traditional ties to the lilac breasted roller. What a gorgeous bird! Pretty handy with insects as well! Nice blog.
I love these birds and feel I’ve missed out if I don’t see them. However they never stay still for long enough for me to get a decent photo!
Just absolutely stunning bird! Nice article, thank you for sharing.
Great job Bruce with an informative perspective.
We just completed out 4th journey to Landolozi and had fantastic roller sightings with Sean!
Great Blog Bruce, I was always so quick to characterize them with the likes of impala, “yup, another LBR”. Never appreciating them for the impressive splashes of colour that they are.
Shame on me!
Being based in Australia now, I so wish I could see another LBR!
Hi Stuart! Haha, I’m glad you’ve come to that realization, that’s great! I hope you get to see one again.
These pictures are phenomenal. I loved learning more about my favorite bird. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Diana! Thank you very much! I’m glad you learnt something new. Hoping you are both well!
Amazing Bruce
I remember the first time I saw a roller, it was in the air and just as Jess said it was the roller it started to roll and got its prey. They are truly gorgeous birds, but to see one up close and see clearly all its wonderful colors is super. Great photo Bruce. How are you and Robert? Victoria
Hi Victoria! We are so well thank you. I hope you’re doing well too!
Awesome photos, Bruce! These little birds have been my favorites since my first trip to Africa and I remain fascinated! Your images are spectacular!
The most popular bird of the African bushveld!!