European Roller vs Racket-tailed Roller

The European Roller and Racket-tailed Roller can be distinguished by their tails: the Racket-tailed Roller has distinctive elongated tail feathers with spatula-shaped tips, while the European Roller has a more uniform tail. Both species exhibit vibrant blue plumage, but the European Roller shows a deep rufous coloration on the mantle and inner wings.

Look for the elongated tail feathers with spatula-shaped tips in the Racket-tailed Roller. In flight, the European Roller displays deep rufous on the mantle and inner wings, which is absent in the Racket-tailed Roller.

The European Roller has deep rufous coloration on the mantle and some inner wing feathers, contrasting with its vibrant blue wings. The Racket-tailed Roller also displays blue plumage but lacks the rufous tones and features elongated tail feathers with spatula-shaped tips.