Birdwatch: The Indian Roller, a bird known for its acrobatic skills

The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) belongs to the bird family of Coraciidae and is a very common resident bird in the Inter-State Chandigarh Region (ISCR).

Overall 33cm in length, the Indian Roller inhabits fields and lightly wooded areas. The male and female are alike. The identification marks are a turquoise blue cap contrasting with the rest of the head and throat and a rufous-brown breast.

The Indian Roller is primarily known for its character of displaying its acrobatic skills while taking a steep dive, nose-drives, undulating flights and circling the female. While several studies suggest that one Indian Roller pair courts for a long time, other studies say the bird changes partners.