ebirdThe Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) captivates at first glance: this elegant bird, with its vibrant colors, brings charm and brightness to the ornithological garden of the Au Bois Vert lodge and restaurant, right in the heart of Ivato, just steps from Antananarivo International Airport!
What does it look like?
The Broad-billed Roller stands out with its contrasting plumage: a reddish-brown head and back, lilac chest, and deep blue wings and tail. Its broad yellow beak contrasts sharply with its compact body, which measures about 30 cm, and it has small, inconspicuous legs.
Its song or cry
It gives a typical nasal call: a “k-k-k-k-k-r-r-r-r-r,” often repeated insistently. This piercing cooing sound echoes as the Broad-billed Roller flies or keeps watch over its territory.
An anecdote or fun fact
The Broad-billed Roller sometimes gathers in groups at sunset to catch swarms of flying ants and termites. And a rare behavior: it drinks while flying, skimming the water with its beak!
Where and when to see it in our garden?
You can often spot it perched at the top of tall trees in the late afternoon, just before it begins its group hunting. It also frequents open areas near the lodge and the restaurant.
Why does he love our garden?
The Broad-billed Roller finds everything it loves in our ornithological garden: clearings rich in insects, water sources for drinking, and a perfect balance between open spaces and dense vegetation—ideal for such an active bird.
Tips for observing it
The best time to come is in the late afternoon. Sit quietly near overhead wires or high branches—the Broad-billed Roller often perches there. Stay discreet and avoid sudden movements to avoid scaring it away.
