Rufous-crowned Roller
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[Photo] Purple Roller (Coracias naevia). Source: Transvaal Museum, Pretoria. Date 1 July 1916. Author Claude Gibney Finch-Davies (1875-1920)

The Rufous-crowned Roller Coracias naevia (formerly Purple Roller), is found over sub-Saharan Africa to as far south as Namibia and the Transvaal. Compared with other rollers its colours are rather dull and its voice rather harsh and grating. Its preferred habitat is dry thornveld where it spends long periods perched at the top of thorn trees or poles, watching for food items such as insects, spiders, scorpions and small lizards on the ground. It rocks to and fro about its longitudinal axis during display flights, calling raucously all the while.

This species seems to be an opportunist breeder, possibly linked to rains, as its breeding season varies from place to place. It nests in natural hollows in trees or uses old woodpecker holes, usually laying 3 white eggs. The young are fed by both parents.

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