Pitta-like Ground-Roller

July 3, 2012

We are leaving Africa for a short trip to Madagascar, starting with this Pitta-like Ground-Roller, Atelornis pittoides. Ground-Rollers are a group of birds found only in Madagascar. DNA research done in the Field Museum’s Pritzker Lab showed that Ground-Rollers are sister to true rollers (Coraciidae). The Pitta-like Ground-roller is colourful, but can be a little elusive to find in the field.
 

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© The Field Museum, Division of Birds, photo by Nicholas Block