| Coraciiformes |
| Birds are a very large family of animals, so many, that they are broken down into groups by order, according to the Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy- a new and increasingly approved taxonomy based on DNA analysis, as opposed to the older taxonomy, which was more based on appearance, geography, and behavior. |
| Von der Decken's Hornbill |
|
Species:
Tockus deckeni Length: 18" (45cm) |
| Serengeti | |
| Von der Decken's Hornbill is quite common in East
Africa and roosts in trees. It feeds mainly on the ground,
however, eating fruits, seeds, and insects. This fellow was in the tree outside our tent at Kiriwira, in the Western Arm of the Serengeti. |
 |
| Lilac-Breasted Roller |
|
Species:
Coracias caudata Length: 12-14" (30-35cm)- including tail feathers |
| Serengeti | |
 |
The Lilac-Breasted Roller is a very colorful bird, not seen so much
from behind, however. (See Zambia gallery for a better picture of
one). I caught this one with an afternoon snack- a rather large insect, compared to the size of the roller. |
