The Indian Roller, also popularly known as the Blue Jay (although it is not a jay at all), is one of India’s most familiar birds. Although still widespread in our area it seems to have declined recently as a breeding species.  It favours open country with scattered trees to nest in and it is much given to perching on telegraph wires and fences. Since it feeds mainly on large insects it is possible that, with more intensive agriculture, the use of poisonous pesticides is the cause of the decline in breeding birds. The loss of suitable nesting trees is certainly also a contributory factor.

The main reason for its familiarity is its habit of perching openly often along roadsides. From its perch it will catch insects in flight or pounce on them, as well as small reptiles and rodents, on the ground. It can be rather crepuscular in its feeding habits and will utilise artificial lighting which attracts insects. As soon as it flies it reveals a brilliant combination of blues. It also has a noisy and spectacular display flight in which it bounds and rolls in great circles, particularly when more than one male are trying to court a female. Rollers nest mainly in tree holes from March to July. They are very territorial and will even drive other species away from their chosen area