Species profile
About this species
The Lilac-breasted Roller is a strikingly colourful bird found across sub-Saharan Africa & the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is renowned for its vivid plumage, which combines lilac, turquoise, green, rufous & black tones across its body & wings. The species is well known for its acrobatic rolling flight display, from which the roller family derives its name.
Open woodland, savannah grassland & thornbush country, often near water. The species favours areas with scattered trees or tall shrubs that provide elevated perches from which to hunt insects & small reptiles.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Lilac-breasted Roller with us in Kenya.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours shortly after sunrise offer the best light & most active behaviour. The dry season between May & October across East & southern Africa is ideal, as birds are more visible & perch frequently in open savannah landscapes.
Position yourself near prominent perches such as dead trees, fence posts or telegraph poles where rollers habitually survey their territory, as this gives excellent opportunities for clean portrait shots against open skies. During flight displays, use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rolling & tumbling motion & capture the full spread of wing colour. Early morning light produces warm tones that complement the bird's vibrant plumage, so arrive at known perch sites before sunrise to be ready when activity peaks.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Lilac-breasted Roller
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.