Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Coraciidae
Genus: Coracias
Species: C. garrulus
Portugal
Critically Endangered
Spain
Endangered
Global
Least Concern
This colorful bird is easy to identify by the vibrant blue on its head and body, with an orange back. In flight, it displays the violet flight feathers adding shades to the color palette. This summer visitor can be observed in the breeding areas between April and August, returning to Africa for the winter.
It prefers open areas, with extensive agricultural systems, low-density bushland and sparse cork oak forests. It makes its nest in ruins (it takes advantage of structures made of rammed earth, a technique present in older infrastructures in the interior of Portugal), in artificial structures such as nest boxes, and in tree cavities. It feeds preferentially on large insects, such as grasshoppers and beetles, hunting from landings such as fences or telephone and electricity poles.
In Portugal, the species occurs in the central and southern interior, more precisely in the districts of Castelo Branco, Portalegre and Beja. However, the species has suffered a sharp contraction in distribution in recent decades, with the exception of Castro Verde, where more than 80% of the national population is found. Conservation efforts with the provision of artificial nests have been crucial. In Spain, the exact number of breeding pairs is unknown, and there are only occasional and local estimates that show a population decline.
