Caedes

  The Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)  

Click here to view at full resolution.
Uploaded: 01/13/14 4:00 PM GMT
The Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
Views: 417
Dlds: 198
Status: active

Back from our visit to the Kruger Nationl Park. We had a wonderful time and saw so much. As it is summer and rainfall in the Park was good,it is very green and dense and it made taking pictures quite difficult. We also had overcasted weather most of the time which also added to taking decent pictures more difficult. But here we are and I hope that you will enjoy the next few days' post of what we saw and enjoy the tour with me. This is the Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family of birds. It is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, preferring open woodland and savanna; it is largely absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds and rodents moving about at ground level. Nesting takes place in a natural hole in a tree where a clutch of eggs is laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defence of their nest, taking on raptors and other birds. During the breeding season the male will rise to great heights, descending in swoops and dives, while uttering harsh, discordant cries. The sexes are alike in coloration. Juveniles do not have the long tail feathers that adults do. This species is the national bird of Botswana and Kenya.

Comments

Post a Comment  -  Subscribe to this discussion
::0930_23
01/13/14 4:29 PM GMT
I bet you were pleased to capture a photo of this beautiful bird, Marietha.
I will look forward to more shots from your trip.
The colors of this bird are phenomenal.

TicK


(Viewed Full Screen)
1∈ [?]
People are like cameras--sometimes they lose focus.
::mirto56
01/13/14 4:40 PM GMT
Welcome back from your trip Marita. Sorry that the weather didn't cooperate. I'm certain that you have some fascinating photos to share with us. This little bird is quite colorful and seems to being singing for your camera. Bravo.
1∈ [?]
The thing that goes the farthest, towards making life worthwhile, it costs the least and does the most, is just a pleasant smile.
.picardroe
01/13/14 4:59 PM GMT
Very nice close-up, Well done Marita.
2∈ [?]
.icedancer
01/13/14 5:04 PM GMT
Gorgeous bird and capture, wonderful colour and presentation
1∈ [?]
HAPPY & SAFE NEW YEAR ♥ Skates ♥
.GIGIBL
01/13/14 5:30 PM GMT
Great close-up well done;Marita.
1∈ [?]
::tigger3
01/13/14 6:11 PM GMT
I don't believe I have ever seen one of these posted on Caedes. What a beautiful bird, and I think you dealt with the difficult shooting conditions very well. I look forward to more, welcome back. Tigs♥ =^..^=
1∈ [?]
Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. sandi ♪ ♫
::corngrowth
01/13/14 7:58 PM GMT
What a wonderful image and what an interesting narrative Marietha.
It's to a certain extent a pity to hear that the weather during your trip wasn't that cooperative. Hope anyhow that you've succeeded in taking acceptable images. If they are of the same quality as this one, I would say: 'No worries.'
You've made me curious anyhow, lol.

Regards, Cornelius.
1∈ [?]
Try to change what you can't accept, but accept what you can't change. Please CLICK HERE to see my journal! Feel free to save my images or to add them to your favorites.
.Bleizmor
01/14/14 10:13 AM GMT
Excellent shot! Congratulations.
1∈ [?]

Leave a comment (registration required):

Subject: