India Roller - photograph by David Behrens

Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) also called Blue Jay. This bird is a common breeding resident. Found near cultivation and open areas of Haryana.   Local names: Neelkanth (Hindi), Neeltaans (Bagri).  

Order: CORACIIFORMES   Family: Coraciidae   Size: 13 inch   Food: Frogs, butterflies, grasshoppers, moths, crickets

Identification: Sexes alike. The crown, lower wings and tail are turquoise to blue-green. Throat and upper breast are purple and clearly streaked with turquoise. Back and abdomen is gray and the eyes are black. The bill is black, slender and curved.