The Indian Roller, (Coracias benghalensis) is also sometimes locally called the Blue Jay, is a very common bird around Tiruvannamalai. And often seen around the area I live at, Samudram Lake. It is the twists and turns of this bird that has given it the name of Roller. It especially indulges in a spectacular courtship display, somersaulting and nose-diving in the air to the accompaniment of harsh, grating screams.
This beautiful bird builds its nest around March to July which is generally made from straw, rags and rubbish in a natural tree-hollow or a hole in a wall of a building. However, a couple of Rollers have just built their nest under the cover of my bamboo roof. Eggs laid usually number 4 or 5 and are glossy, white, roundish ovals.
On several occasions I have noticed the Rollers standing guard against predatory Indian squirrels and crows, who have threatened the nest. These birds have a reputation of fearlessness and will dive and roll not only at animal intruders but also at humans.
The Indian Roller is the size of a Pigeon, blue with biggish head, heavy black bill, rufous brown breast, and pale blue abdomen and undertail. But it is dark and pale blue portions of the wings that show up as brilliant bands in flight.
The Roller generally prefers open cultivated country and light forest. From a lookout on a telegraph wire or high spot, it pounces upon some large insect, frog or lizard on the ground, returning with it either to the same perch or flying to another. This bird is regarded as highly beneficial to agriclture as it destroys vast quantities of injurious insects to farmers.
