European Roller

Coracias garrulus

(C. g. garrulus)

Armenian Name:	Ներկարար

See Plate 37 for European Roller and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Common
Length:	30-32 cm, Wing Span:66-73 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 193.
Adult:	Bright blue with red-brown back and black flight feathers. Upper forewings dark blue. Underwing coverts vivid greenish-blue.
Juvenile:	Paler and duller with brownish back, cheeks, nape, and breast.
Behavior:	Flight direct with deep wingbeats, resembling crow. Often perches prominently on posts, wires, and trees.
Habitat:	Semidesert, mountain steppe.
Food:	Insects.
Nest:	Grassy cup in cavity of tree or wall; burrow in sand or clay bank.
Eggs:	35 mm, 3-6, white.