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Indian Roller
Coracias benghalensis
12.2327, 79.0718
Field Notes
Description:
The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis), also called the Blue Jay in former times is a member of the roller family of birds. A stocky bird about 26–27 cm long, they are found mainly in the Indian Subcontinent, but also in a wider arc stretching from Iraq to Thailand and are best known for the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. They are very commonly seen perched along roadside trees and wires and are commonly seen in open grassland and scrub forest habitats. They descend to the ground to capture their prey which may include insects, arachnids, small reptiles (including Calotes versicolor and small snakes) and amphibians. It is not migratory, but undertakes some seasonal movements. Several states in India have chosen it as their symbol.
SOURCE: Wikipedia
Habitat:
The main habitat is cultivation, thin forest and grassland. They are often seen perched on roadside electric wires. This one was seen sitting on the electric wire outside my garden in Tamil Nadu, South India.
Notes:
This bird bathes in open water by plunge-diving into it, a behaviour often interpreted as fishing. It may occasionally attempt fishing from water, which made me think, seen from a distance, that it was some kind of kingfisher with the bright blue wing, tail and crown feathers.
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