European Roller, Сизоворонка, Ευρωπαϊκή Χαλκοκουρούνα, Coracias garrulus

On a thorny branch above the dry ground, a European Roller pauses with a beetle in its beak. Its bright turquoise and deep blue plumage stands out against the muted colours of the Cypriot summer landscape. This species breeds across parts of Europe and continues east into the Middle East and beyond, favouring open country with scattered trees, scrub, and farmland. From this perch, the roller scans the ground for movement. Large insects are an important part of its diet, and exposed branches give it a clear view of the hunting area below. For a moment, it holds still. Then it launches into the air, its blue wings flashing briefly before it disappears across the fields. --- European Roller, Сизоворонка, Ευρωπαϊκή Χαλκοκουρούνα, Coracias garrulus Nicosia, Cyprus | 2026-06-20 16:45:08 Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/375813887 Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/375813958 #iNaturalist #wildlife #nature