Gould observed 'Although the avifauna of the British Islands is generally destitute of the gorgeous hues which distinguish the birds of the tropics, still some three or four species conspicuous for the beauty of their plumage either reside with us or pay us occasional visits. The Roller is one of them, and but few of the birds of the torrid zone are more gaily attired, or more striking in appearance.'

The adult male is depicted in the foregound. The female, behind 'differs in being somewhat paler and in having a wash of grey over the chesnut-red of the back'.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds from southwest and east Europe, northwest Africa, east across Russia to southwest Siberia and west China and south to Kashmir. Winters in tropical Africa south of the Sahara. Rare and erratic vagrant to Britain