Indian Roller

Indian Roller are widely found in Western and Southern India and also in the foothills of Himalayas. They are also known as Indian Blue Jay. The bird is so beautiful that many Indian States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Telangana have chosen it as a State bird. Local name of Indian roller is Neelkanth (meaning “blue throat”), a name associated with the deity Shiva (who drank poison resulting in the blue throat). It is considered sacred among the Hindus. Very well known for its aerobatic displays during the breeding season and hence this “roller” word in its name.