European roller
The European roller is a migratory species that arrives in Romania in April-May after a long migration from wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. Its behaviour is very active and daring, and males are known for their acrobatic mating flights. It broods in shallows or clay banks, where it lays 4-5 eggs, from which the young hatch after about three weeks. After the nesting period, from late summer onwards, the moorhens prepare for their autumn migration, returning to warmer regions to overwinter.
Coracias garrulus
Description and how to observe European roller:
The European roller, or Coracias garrulus, is a brightly coloured bird with a distinctive plumage in intense shades of turquoise-blue and wings with purple and black highlights. The average size is about 29-32 cm, with a wingspan of 52-58 cm, and it is easily recognisable by its vibrant colours. It can be seen mostly in summer in open areas of the Danube Delta, especially around meadows, banks and reedbeds, where it feeds and hunts large insects. To be successful, it is recommended to use binoculars and to travel in open, less wooded areas from April to September.
What it feeds on European roller:
The European roller is an opportunistic predator, feeding mainly on large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, crickets and other invertebrate species. It may also occasionally catch small vertebrates, such as snakes or young lizards, which it hunts in short flight from open places or while gliding. It feeds frequently in open areas, making it vulnerable to habitat change and pesticides.
Threats:
The species is threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use and increased agricultural activities that reduce prey availability. They are also vulnerable during migration, when they face multiple threats, including illegal hunting and degradation of stopover sites. In Romania, the European roller is protected by law, but pressures on natural habitats continue to challenge its long-term survival.
Ecological role:
The European roller has a valuable ecological role in the ecosystems of the Danube Delta. As a predator of large insects, it contributes to the natural control of insect populations, including those that can become agricultural pests. By nesting in tree hollows or banks, it helps to maintain the health of forests and meadow ecosystems, as well as providing shelter for other species.
More information about Coracias garrulus:
The European roller is regarded as one of the most spectacular birds of the Danube Delta and is sought after by ornithologists and nature lovers from all over the world. In Romania, monitoring this species continues to be a priority and the conservation of its habitat is an important objective of environmental organisations and wildlife legislation.
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