- Eurystomus orientalis
Was previously called Eastern Broad-billed Roller
Identification
Red bill with glossy dark blue-green plumage diagnostic. Appears black in poor light. Broad silvery white patch on base of primaries conspicuous only in flight(thus named Dollarbird). Size-30cm.
Distribution
The Indian subcontinent,temperate eastern Russia, China, and Japan through South-East Asia to Australia and the Solomon Islands; northern and southern-most populations migrate to tropical latitudes during winter.
Taxonomy
Purple Roller, Eurystomus azureus was previously considered to be one additional subspecies of the Dollarbird.
The Dollarbird is divided into eleven subspecies.
Habitat
Mangroves, forests edges, beach scrub, plantation and open country.
Behaviour
Particularly favours tall dead trees on which it often perchs for long periods. Does not drop to the ground to catch prey, preferring to catch winged insects on aerial sallies.
