Indian Roller also called Blue Jay
Coracias benghalensis
While we were driving down the highway, my wife suddenly stopped spotting a few of these colourful birds. Shot about half a dozen frames quickly. Could not get anything better than this because I could not get closer and they were too fast.
This photo does not do justice to the bird. Moreover the the splash of turquoise is evident only when it takes to air. I just couldn't manage to catch it in flight. It normally sits on a high perch surveying the ground. Then suddenly makes a dash when it sees a prey. It eats insects and is considered a farmers' friend.
This bird is said to be so colourful that the Hindu God Vishnu got inspired and took its form in one of his famous escapades. I am told in the Western part of India they catch these in large numbers and release them on Dusserah day.
Now, guess why it called a Roller?
waynemethod, algo, MBK (Marjie), Ollie girl, and 12 other people added this photo to their favorites.
View 9 more comments
Supriya O 89 months ago | reply
Great bird shot as always, Pandiyan! The colours on the bird's wings are really striking! I'm sure it will look even more beautiful in flight! Thanks for sharing this beautiful pic and the interesting information. Would love to know why it is called a 'roller'...
annabellafranc [deleted] 89 months ago | reply
Great shot !!!
Ollie girl 89 months ago | reply
Exotic little birdie!
Road Blog 89 months ago | reply
beautiful colours! great shot, Pandiyan...
Doug Lloyd 89 months ago | reply
What a beauty Nicely done.
Doug
Pandiyan 89 months ago | reply
Mnay thanks my dear friends. This is little is more colourful than what you can see here. Especially when it flies about.
Now why Roller? frogmuseum is on the right lines. The caption was the clue. However he does this as part of courtship display. Pure joy comes later.
Reciprocity - He didn't have much by way of my antics. I was sitting inside the car all the time. My getting out would have put paid to any chance of a photograph! Of course full credit to Uma for easing the car forward silently when required and Hyundai for such a silent engine.
jah~ 89 months ago | reply
Missed this one. Such gorgeous colors. A fine capture. I do lots of shooting from the car, but none have been this good!
Gale Franey 89 months ago | reply
Gorgeous!!
Calovi 89 months ago | reply
awesome! nice captured!
Ananda Debnath 89 months ago | reply
I really miss seeing this bird! I'd frequently see this perched on the sides of roads in coastal India along with white throated kingfishers. They're beautiful!! Good shot Pandiyan. Hope you get some more!
hs_yin 89 months ago | reply
Great!
Pandiyan 88 months ago | reply
Thanks my friends for the visit and comments. I have been away on work for the past few days. Could not visit or comment. I'll catch up in the next few days.
John - Yes, shooting from the car is pretty chancy. I too don't always get good results.
Heizenberg - I am grateful for your kind words, specially because of the wonderful work you have done with the birds.
Riverside Dreamer 88 months ago | reply
Gorgeous bird, great shot!
bosorka [deleted] 88 months ago | reply
What a pretty bird!
Ummayyah 85 months ago | reply
Mashallah so beautiful...
Pandiyan 84 months ago | reply
Thanks Ummayyah for your visit to my streams. I am glad you liked my photos.
jocelynsart 84 months ago | reply
omg what a beautiful bird!!! love it's vibrancy against the background.
Stylurus 74 months ago | reply
Please add this photo to the new group, Birds on Wooden Posts.
rampsphotos [deleted] 61 months ago | reply
I now understand what you meant by "the splash of turquoise". Check out my version of the roller....
www.flickr.com/photos/vidyaramp/2544148925/
Eddi van W. 52 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Creative Commons- Free Pictures, and we'd love to have this added to the group!