Indochinese Roller
Coracias affinis

Identification: The Indochinese Roller, or simply Roller (Coracias affinis), is a resident bird species found across parts of Asia, from the Indian subcontinent to the Indochinese Peninsula. In Thailand, it is found in all regions except the Andaman coast of the south.

It is similar in size to a pigeon, measuring about 3034 centimeters in body length. Both males and females look alike, with a stocky build, upright posture, short neck, and large head. It has a matte black medium-length bill with a curved upper mandible.

The wings are broad and long with pointed tips, and the tail is generally rectangular or slightly notched, depending on the subspecies. The legs are short with weak toes and curved claws.

The Roller is usually solitary and preys on insects like grasshoppers, crickets, earwigs, moths, caterpillars, wasps, beetles, dragonflies, and spiders, as well as small vertebrates like lizards.

Breeding occurs from March to May. They nest in natural tree cavities or sometimes occupy old nests of other birds, laying 25 eggs per clutch.

In Thailand, the species is found throughout most regions, excluding the southernmost areas. It inhabits humid evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, bamboo forests, and dense secondary forests, commonly at elevations below 900 meters but occasionally up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

It is considered a protected wildlife species under Thai law.