Arboreal Birds Rollers, Trogons, Woodpeckers & allies

Abstract

The arboreal birds in this second series have a number of features in common although no less than 16 distinct families are included. Typically they are brightly coloured or have conspicuous pied plumage. In most families some kind of specialised feeding has evolved and strong, often brightly coloured and massive bills are common. The diet in most families is largely of animal origin, chiefly insects, but many kingfishers feed on fish and the hornbills are omnivorous. The powerful bill is also used to excavate nesting holes in trees, termite nests or in the ground in which white unspotted eggs are laid.