The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, being the national bird of Kenya. This bird prefers open woodland and savanna, and also the regions where palm trees grow singly. Its average size is 37cm. Its name comes from their impressive courtship flight, a fast, shallow dive from considerable elevation with a rolling or fast rocking motion, accompanied by loud raucous calls.
Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds and rodents moving about at ground level. Nesting takes place in a natural hole in a tree where a clutch of 2-4 eggs is laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defence of their nest.
About the stamp
The stamp, depicting Serval (Felis Serval), was issued in 2012.
References
Lilac-breasted roller - Wikipedia
Sender: Mike
Sent from Lusaka (Zambia), on 08.06.2015
Photo: Eleanor (Ellie) Hamby
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