Any bird book would tell you but I'll be helpful with a bit of my time. I
wouldn't be surprised if you get lots of replies saying the same thing. The
Dollarbird (one word)(Eurystomus orientalis) is the only Australian member
of the family (Coraciidea) known as Rollers overseas. The name comes from
the pale patches on the wings that supposedly look like dollar signs. It is
not a parrot as you discovered, but a member of the order (Coraciiformes)
that includes the Kingfishers and Bee-eaters and like all of them has a very
robust beak and syndactylous (joined) toes. It feeds on large insects (such
as cicadas and beetles) caught in flight. Parrots eat seed. It is a common
summer breeding migrant to eastern Australia and spends winter in the
northern part of New Guinea. It is typically seen perching on bare high tree
branches and power poles in open country near water and flying out in
pursuit of insects. It is habitually very noisy with a loud harsh cackle. To
most people it would look hawk-like, apart from its small feet and colours.
Like most members of the order it nests in tree hollows. Birds such as that
should be offered to your local museum and give them the option to decide if
it is useful to them.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce WILLIAMS <>
To: <>
Date: Friday, 8 January 1999 16:27
Subject: Dollar Bird
>As a member of WIRES I am called out to rescue many different birds and
>animals.Late last year I wes called out to rescue what was described as
>some sort of parrot but when I arrived at the address I found the bird
>which looked like someone had put pieces of different birds together.After
>consulting my reference books I found out it was a Dollar
>Bird.Unfortunately it had suffered head trauma and didn't survive.It was
>found at North Ryde in Sydney.Could anyone give me more info on this bird
>ie.is it common in this area,where does it come from or any info that will
>help me in case I find another of these birds.
>Your help will be gratefully appreciated.
>Thank You
>Bruce Williams
>
>
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