Coraciidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 676 words | Copyright

Coraciidae (rollers; class Aves, order Coraciiformes) A family of brightly coloured birds that have short necks, long wings, and stout, slightly hooked bills. Their common name refers to their somersaulting display flight. Their tails are quite long, some species (e.g. Coracias abyssinica, Abyssinian roller) having long outer tail feathers. Their legs are short, with the second and third toes joined basally. They are arboreal and mainly insectivorous, sometimes dropping on to their prey from an exposed perch. They nest in holes in trees and banks. Some are migratory. There are two genera, with 11 species, found in Europe, Africa, and from southern Asia to Australasia.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Coraciidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 8 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Coraciidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved February 08, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Coraciidae.html

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