GAMBIA BIRD SPECIES

Blue-bellied Roller

Coracias cyanogaster

Overview

The Blue-bellied Roller is a bold West African speciality and one of the most eye-catching birds of wooded savannah. Its rich colours and tumbling display flight make it a firm favourite.

Identification

Adults have a creamy head and breast, dark green back and vivid blue belly, wings and tail. Long outer tail feathers and strong blue wing panels are conspicuous in flight.

Habitat and behaviour

It favours open woodland, wooded farmland, tall scattered trees and savannah edges. Birds sit prominently on poles or bare branches, dropping to the ground for insects before returning to a lookout. Pairs can be noisy and territorial.

Birdwatching in The Gambia

Suitable country occurs from the coastal hinterland into central and upper Gambia. Productive drives and walks through lightly wooded landscapes often provide repeated chances to see the species.

Field note

Check exposed treetops and roadside perches, particularly in the cooler morning. Lamin Jobaate can use calls, behaviour and habitat clues to separate Blue-bellied Rollers from The Gambia’s several other colourful roller species.

Plan your birdwatching tour: Ask Lamin Jobaate about a private itinerary for this species and The Gambia’s other outstanding birds.