Neelkanth

The state bird of Karnataka goes by the other common name of Neelkanth meaning blue throat. This is a colorful bird with varying shades of blue and Indigo usually seen perched on wires and tree tops. It will sit patiently observe the ground for some movement and make a quick plunge to capture its prey. The roller has a wide diet and is known to feed on insects, anarchids, snakes, amphibians, reptiles etc. They are known as rollers because of their display – the male is known to perform twists and turns during the breeding season and consequently this name. This bird is found across Indian subcontinent and is classified as least concern by IUCN.