Lilac-breasted Roller
Scientific name: Coracias caudata
Swahili name [1]: Kambu kidari-zambarau
IUCN status: Least concer
Threats and impacts:
Lilac-breasted rollers are sometimes poached for the pet trade due to their beauty. This can have negative consequences for local breeding populations, even though overall, rollers are not considered threatened or endangered as a species. Additionally, preventing loss of habitat can help support lilac-breasted roller populations.
Interesting information:
The lilac-breasted roller is the national bird of Kenya.
Lilac-breasted rollers use brush fires as an opportunity to hunt for less wary prey fleeing the blaze. [2]
The lilac-breasted rollers have a prominent place in some African tribal mythology. Following the belief that it mates for life, Zulus, Venda and Afrikaners use lilac-breasted roller feathers in wedding traditions and rites, making rings, chains and decorating weddings dresses with them. [3]
[1] http://www.kenyalogy.com/eng/fauna/libr.html
[2] https://www.thespruce.com/lilac-breasted-roller-385691
Photo credit: Ivan Tse