Broad billed roller

Introduction: The broad-billed roller bird (Eurystomus glaucurus) perch in high canopy in savannah forest mosaic and in clearings in forest and woodland. They can also be observed in all types of woodland especially on flat areas where some territorial habits, such as often chasing other birds away, can be seen. This species are present in Namibia from April to October.

Distribution: Caprivi particularly in the eastern regions extending south to the Okavango Delta. In and around the Kwando River is a preferred habitat range, where they are particularly common, even abundant in places.

Diet: Water is taken in flight by dipping down into rivers when they will also bathe. Prey is taken in the air, close to the ground and includes ants and termites, beetles, bugs, bees, wasps, grasshoppers, flies, spiders and cockroaches.

Description: Short tailed rollers with broad, but short yellow bills. Eurystomus is the Greek word for broad mouth, bill or beak, hence the name.

Breeding: Unlined nests in tree cavities between 5 and 15m above the ground are used where the female lays between 2 and 4 eggs.

Size: 30cm.

Weight: 105g.