The beautiful Indian roller is a common resident of the wadis, mountain villages and cultivated areas of the UAE. It is particularly associated with plantations of palm trees, and is becoming increasingly common in gardens and parks on the Arabian Gulf coast.

Similar to the European roller, it appears duller at rest, but shows more of its vibrant blue colour in flight.Young birds are greener underneath and brown on the upper part of their body.

The Indian roller preys on small invertebrates and lizards and is often seen perching for long periods in search of its food species.

During courtship the roller climbs high into the sky before tumbling and rolling in the characteristic display that gives it its common name. It nests in trees or buildings using twigs and other vegetation to build its nest. In March or April a clutch of three to five eggs is laid.

MORE ON THE BIRDS OF THE UAE CLICK HERE & HERE

FOR A NATURAL HISTORY TOUR OF THE UAE CLICK HERE

FOR UP TO DATE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION FROM OUR ONLINE UAE YEARBOOK 2000-2001 CLICK HERE

FOR A WIDE RANGE OF BOOKS ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UAE, GO TO www.tridentpress.com

FOR COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE INFORMATION ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ARABIAN PENINSULA GO TO www.arabianwildlife.com