Abyssinian roller, Coracias abyssinica, photographed at Awash National Park , Ethiopia (Africa).
Image: Dan Logen, 28 January 2011 [velociraptorize].
Nikon D300s, 600 mm lens, ISO 500, f/8, 1/1750 sec
Question: This distinctive Ethiopian mystery bird should be relatively easy to identify. But that said, its physical characters are strongly reminiscent of another group of birds that are in the same order that you might be more familiar with. Can you name this bird's taxonomic order and tell me which species this is?
Response: This is an adult Abyssinian roller, Coracias abyssinica. These common colourful birds often perch prominently on a tree or post, similar to a large shrike, waiting to grab insects or rodents. They get their common name, roller, in honour of their dazzling midair barrelroll displays to impress prospective mates.
The rollers are thought to be cousins to the smaller but also colourful kingfishers, which share the taxonomic order, Coraciiformes.
You are invited to review all of the daily mystery birds by going to their dedicated graphic index page.
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