Long-tailed Ground-Roller
NameLong-tailed Ground-Roller
Common NameLong-tailed Ground-Roller
Scientific NameUratelornis chimaera
FamilyBrachypteraciidae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)47
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsThis bird has a brown crown, a prominent white supercilium, and a dark eye-stripe, with a white moustachial stripe and throat. Its upperparts are mottled brown with blackish streaks, and it features a distinctive iridescent blue patch on the primary coverts. The underparts are pale buffy-white, finely barred on the flanks, and its most striking feature is an extremely long, graduated tail, barred brown and buff.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a soft, low 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'coo-coo-coo' series, often given at dawn and dusk. It may also produce a whistling or trilling sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to a restricted area of dry spiny forest and thicket in southwestern Madagascar.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, graduated tail, Distinctive facial pattern with white supercilium and moustachial stripe, Iridescent blue patch on wings, Terrestrial behavior in dry spiny forests, Endemic to southwestern Madagascar
Description
The Long-tailed Ground-Roller is a medium-sized terrestrial bird endemic to Madagascar, known for its remarkably long, graduated tail. It forages on the ground in dry spiny forests, often running rather than flying when disturbed. This species is shy and often difficult to observe.
