Breeding

 

The species has a monogamous mating system. They prefer wooden holes as a breeding site but sometimes use river walls similar to Sand Martin and Kingfisher. They use the abandoned holes of Green Woodpeckers (Picus viridis) and Black Woodpeckers (Dyrocopus maritius).

Photo: Máté Bence

Roller breeds once a year between end of May and July.
The chacterestic looping mating flies of Rollers is very conspicuous at the beginning of breeding period.


Clutch size is 4-5 white eggs, incubation lasts about 18 (17-20) days, and the fledging period is 28-29 days. Both parents care nestlings. 

Photo: Molnár Gyula