Cuckoo Roller (Leptosomus discolor) ©WikiC
And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. (Genesis 2:19 KJV)
CLASS – AVES, Order – LEPTOSOMIFORMES, Family – Leptosomidae – Cuckoo Roller
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Latest I.O.C. Version
Species (1)
Cuckoo Roller (Leptosomus discolor)
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Articles Mentioning Birds From This Family:
Other Websites that have photos of this Family:
- Cuckoo Roller (Leptosomidae) – IBC
- Cuckoo Roller – Wikipedia
- Leptosomidae – Le quide ornitho
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The Cuckoo Roller or Courol (Leptosomus discolor) is the only bird in the family Leptosomatidae, which is usually considered to be within the order Coraciiformes, which also includes the kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers. However, the position of this family is not very clear. Morphological evidence may suggest a placement within or near to Falconiformes. In the rather comprehensive DNA study by Hackett et al. this is one of only two birds – besides the Hoatzin – of which the position is not clear, although it seems to be at the root of a group that contains the Trogoniformes, Bucerotiformes, Piciformes and Coraciiformes.
It is a medium-large bird, inhabiting forests and woodlands in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. There are three subspecies. Based on its smaller size, differences in the plumage, and minor difference in the voice, the last of these is sometimes considered a separate species, the Comoro Cuckoo Roller (L. gracilis). (Wikipedia with editing)
Some of the Family – Photos are Alphabetical down the columns:
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