Cuckoo-roller

The cuckoo-roller is the only member of its family, and despite its name is not closely related to cuckoos or rollers. It has a stout bill, a rounded head and eyes set far back on the face. Males are velvety grey on the head and chest, white below and dark glossy green on the back and tail, with a black crown and eye-stripe. Females are mostly brown with strongly dark-spotted underparts (Wikipedia, general species account).

It hunts by perching motionless and watching for prey, then flying out to catch it; it also hunts in the air and kills prey by beating it against a branch. Stomach contents show chameleons, locusts and caterpillars are important food. It nests in natural tree cavities 4–6m up, with no lining, and the female alone incubates for about 20 days, while the male feeds her. Chicks fledge after around 30 days (Wikipedia).

It is tame and often seen in pairs, and many Malagasy people regard it as a good omen. It is widespread and tolerates habitat change better than many other native birds. On this guide it is a target species of Berenty and Baobab Avenue, but it can be seen in forests across the island.