This is Coracias cyanogaster, the blue-bellied roller, named after its plumage (obviously) and after its spectacular, rolling/tumbling courtship displays. They eat large insects like grasshoppers, and can be beneficial to farmers in that way. This bird is native to Africa, and was photographed at the Central Florida Zoo.
Tag: bird
Barred Owl
This adult barred owl (Strix varia) and almost-fledged juvenile were out and about in the early morning in May. The adult was absolutely silent in flight, and I would not have noticed it if it had not flown directly in front of me. Barred owls live all over the eastern half of the US. They…
Limpkin
This handsome bird is about 25-29 inches long, with a wingspan of 40-42 inches, with males slightly larger. Plumage is identical for both sexes. It is a wading bird native to warm parts of the Americas, including Florida, and its primary diet is the huge, destructive apple snails of the genus Pomacea. Aramus guarauna is…
Laughing Gull
Laughing gulls are found on coasts in Florida and all over Central America, primarily on the Atlantic side. They are diurnal, but will forage at night during the breeding season when extra food is required for young. They walk or glide up and down the beach, looking for crabs, fish, carrion, human leftovers, and anything…
Military Macaw
This species of parrot gets its name from its green plumage, which resembles a military uniform. Photo taken at the Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL.