Have you ever seen a Lilac-breasted roller roll?
A Lilac-breasted Roller’s name comes from two things: its shimmering lilac breast and its mesmerizing courtship display. This display, a dance of love in the sky, is breathtaking. The bird squawks and soars straight up before tumbling in a series of elegant rolls, swooping just before it touches the ground. It’s a rare and magical sight, and one we often rush past without pausing to fully appreciate.
A Courtship Roll to Remember
On a recent morning game drive, as we cruised around a bend, a Lilac-breasted Roller suddenly appeared above us. With a burst of energy, it began its signature roll, performing aerial acrobatics that are as much about impressing a mate as they are about showcasing its acrobatic skill.
But this wasn’t an ordinary performance.
The bird soared high, then executed a sharp dive, coming so close to our vehicle that we all ducked instinctively. It wasn’t just showing off; it was sending a clear message.
Its protective dive was so sudden and bold that it very nearly clipped Advice Ngwenya, sitting in the tracker seat, but it left us all in awe. This little bird, no larger than a handspan, wasn’t afraid to challenge us to defend its home.
It was only then that we realized ahead of us, nestled in the crook of a tree, was the roller’s nest. The bird’s dive was a protective move, warning us to stay away from its precious family.
The Nesting Secrets of the Lilac-Breasted Roller
Lilac-breasted Rollers, with their seven dazzling colours—shades of blue, purple, and green—are one of nature’s true masterpieces, this bird is a showstopper in the skies. But beyond their striking appearance lies a resourceful and deeply protective bird.
When choosing a nesting site, rollers are highly adaptable. Old tree hollows and abandoned nests from hornbills or wood hoopoes often serve as their homes, and sometimes, even termite mounds. Reusing pre-established nests proves their resourcefulness by not having to excavate the nest themselves. Safety is at the forefront of their minds and if the nest is in a tree it is often higher than 2m from the ground.
The nests are simple, with minimal lining—just a scattering of plant fragments or hairs. Between August and February, the female lays two to four eggs, and both parents take turns incubating and caring for them. From the moment the chicks hatch, the parents are fierce protectors, ready to fend off any threat.
The Protective Instinct of the Roller
What struck me most about that morning encounter was the roller’s determination to protect its nest. While these birds are known for their flashy displays and playful behaviour, this incident showed us just how deeply ingrained the protective instinct is in their nature.
This bird wasn’t just defending its chicks; it was showing us what it means to care without hesitation or fear.
Nature’s Layers of Beauty
In many ways, that brief interaction with the Lilac-breasted Roller encapsulated everything that makes observing nature so awe-inspiring. Their bright colours and playful courtship rolls are undeniably beautiful, but it’s the layers of instinct, courage, adaptability, and protection that make their stories even more remarkable.
From their choice of nesting sites to their courtship rituals and protective instincts, the Lilac-breasted Roller is a testament to the intricate beauty of the natural world. And while we may never fully understand the nuances of their behaviour, moments like these offer a glimpse into the complexity and wonder that these birds embody—leaving us with a deep sense of respect for the creatures we share this world with.
So the next time you see a Lilac-breasted Roller roll, pause. Watch. Listen. And let its magic fill you with awe.
Yes, I saw two lilac breasted rollers roll simultaneously. And also witnessed the wiggle waggle of a purple roller. Fantastic!
Lilac-breasted Rollers are one of my favorite birds. i have so many picutres of them. So vibrant with colors.
Hi Jess, I think that the moving description of what means to be a mother and loose her offspring was yours. You are very able to describe animals behaviour with passion. This small bird had already impressed me with its stunning beauty, but I didn’t know anything about its habits. Parents are always brave when it comes to protect their offsprings, but these are real fighters. I observed an interesting cooperation between other small birds, that are renowned to be very aggressive parents, ergo greatest tits, along with crows against sparrow -hawks. Crows attack sparrow hawks after tits bravely give a loud alarm and put themselves at high risk by making themselves visible to.the hawks. I noticed this when crows were nestling nearby and flew to attack the hawks. The courage of small birds is something unbelievable. As if impala would turn against wild dogs, lions, leopards and so on… big heart in small bodies!
Hi Jess, this is such a stunningly beautiful bird to watch. It amazes me that nature is so intrigued and utterly beautiful. Seeing the roller protect it’s chick’s and nest must of been an experience, not to talk about the courtship display. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am certainly going to look out for this roller and it’s nest.
What a beautiful blog, Jess.
I love birds in general, and the Lilac breasted Roller is one of my favorites. They are just so spectacular.
I have never seen a roller’s nest though I have so often seen the birds and their fantastic displays. The colors are so spectacular.
This blog is a real treat
Just a beautiful bird Jess, thanks for the focus on some of the smaller species of Londolozi.