Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)
The Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis) is a medium-sized bird belonging to the roller family (Coraciidae). It is found throughout much of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The Dollarbird is known for its distinctive blue and green plumage and large, curved beak.
Physical Characteristics:
The Dollarbird measures around 29-32 centimeters (11-12 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 50-55 centimeters (20-22 inches). It has a distinctive blue and green plumage, with a bright blue head and green wings and back. The bird has a large, curved beak, which it uses to catch and eat insects.
Diet:
The Dollarbird feeds primarily on insects, such as beetles, cicadas, and grasshoppers. It catches insects in flight or plucks them from the foliage of trees and shrubs.
Reproduction and Lifecycle:
The breeding season for the Dollarbird typically occurs between February and May, depending on the location. These birds are monogamous and form pair bonds that can last for several breeding seasons. They build a large, stick nest in a tree cavity or on a horizontal branch.
The female lays 2 to 3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 18-20 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed and cared for by both parents until they are able to leave the nest, which typically occurs at around 30-35 days old. The young birds become fully independent within a few weeks of fledging.
Conservation Status:
The Dollarbird is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its wide distribution and stable population. However, the bird could face potential threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, monitoring populations, and reducing disturbances to nesting sites to ensure the long-term survival of the species.