The European Roller (Coracias garrulus) has bright turquoise blue plumage and impressive acrobatic flight. They are stocky with a large head, strong bill, and bright turquoise-blue body contrasted by darker flight feathers. It is one of Europe’s most striking birds, but is also a long-distance migrant that spends much of the year far from its breeding grounds.
They prefer warm open countryside and breed in scattered trees, orchards, farmland, river valleys, oak and pine woodland edges, and other dry, sunny habitats where insects are plentiful. The female typically lays four to six eggs, and both parents help with incubation and care. Their diet is mostly made up of large insects, but also small animals. The roller hunts in a “perch and pounce” style, scanning the ground from a lookout then dropping down in a quick glide to seize prey.
European Rollers are famous for their aerial display, which gives the species its name. During courtship or territorial defense, the male performs rolling, twisting flight high above the ground, showing off flashes of blue and black wings. Its call is harsh and crow-like rather than melodious, and it can be quite noisy when alarmed. Conservation is a major concern as populations have declined across much of Europe owing to habitat loss, changes to farming, and loss of nesting sites.
This is a superwash treated sock weight (fingering, 4ply) yarn spun from 75% merino wool and 25% nylon for enhanced durability. It is suitable for approximately 2-3mm needles. About 420 metres per 100g skein. This yarn is presented as a skein. If you would like it caked then this paid-for service adds 24h to the dispatch time.