Ground Rollers
The Ground Rollers (Brachypteraciidae) combines a small family of non-migratory birds that are only found on the island of Madagascar located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa .
Its members are related to the kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers; and some consider the Ground Rollers to be a subfamily of the true rollers.
Description
These crow-like range from 25-49 centimetres in length. They are less colorful than the true rollers, with either striped or flecked plumages. They also have longer legs and shorter, more rounded wings.
They lack the highly colourful appearance of the true rollers, and are duller in appearance, with striped or flecked plumage. They are much more elusive and shy than their relatives, and are normally difficult to find in the Malagasy forests.
Nesting / Breeding
Breeding Ground Rollers usually remain as solitary pairs, nesting in holes in the ground which they excavate themselves.
Diet / Feeding
They feed on reptiles and large insects.
Calls / Vocalizations
They display (breeding) calls are described as hooting sounds.
Genera & Subspecies
- Genus Brachypteracias
- Short-legged Ground Roller, Brachypteracias leptosomus
- Genus Geobiastes
- Scaly Ground Roller, Geobiastes squamiger
- Genus Uratelornis
- Long-tailed Ground Roller, Uratelornis chimaera
- Genus Atelornis
- Pitta-like Ground Roller, Atelornis pittoides
- Rufous-headed Ground Roller, Atelornis crossleyi
High Quality Species Photos, Videos and/or Articles Contributions are welcome! Click here to upload articles and images*EDIT**3.
Please Note: The images on this page are the sole property of the photographers (unless marked as Public Domain). Please contact the photographers directly with respect to any copyright or licensing questions. Thank you.
The Avianweb strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!
