Coracias abyssinicus
Abyssinian Roller
A slim, elegant roller with a warm brown back, turquoise-blue underparts and face, and very long tail streamers that give it a distinctive silhouette in flight. Common throughout The Gambia in wooded grassland, farmland and large gardens, perching conspicuously before dropping to catch large insects on the ground.
Identification
Distinguished from the similar Blue-bellied Roller by its brown (not black) back and shorter body; the long tail streamers and mostly blue underparts separate it from the scarcer, Palearctic-migrant European Roller.
Want to see the Abyssinian Roller?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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