Until recently, little was known about where European Rollers from South Africa stopped to rest, feed, or breed during their migrations, which can stretch over 15,000 kilometres. Today, thanks to BirdLife South Africa’s ongoing tracking work, vital migration routes are being uncovered, key stopover sites identified, the challenges these birds face on their epic travels are becoming better understood, and conservation strategies are being developed to help protect them.
One such traveller, “Rory”, has already flown over 20,000 kilometres this year! Fitted with a tracker in South Africa last year, he ultimately made his way to the deserts of China, and is now making his way home to South Africa, via the Middle East and East Africa. Named in honour of the late BirdLife South Africa patron Pamela Isdell’s grandson, Rory’s journey is vivid reminder of the extraordinary connections that link distant parts of our planet – and how the fate of one small bird can span continents. In only a few weeks, with his return journey completed, Rory will have provided valuable insights into how these remarkable birds navigate across more than 20 countries and three continents.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, the project – now proudly supported by Subaru Southern Africa – aims to expand monitoring sites across the country and deploy additional satellite trackers to build a more complete picture of the species’ migration and habitat use. More European Rollers will also be colour-ringed to strengthen population data, and bird enthusiasts will be encouraged to report sightings of any ringed or tagged individuals.
Equally important is the continued effort to establish partnerships along the species’ migration route, particularly within key breeding grounds. To protect the European Roller, we must collaborate across its entire range – from South Africa through East Africa, Somalia, and Central Asia. The project will also continue raising awareness about the conservation of European Rollers and other migratory species that share our skies.
BirdLife South Africa is thrilled to welcome Subaru Southern Africa as an official partner of the European Roller Monitoring Project; a project blending the worlds of science and storytelling. There’s still so much to learn about these birds, but through this long-term monitoring initiative, supported by partnerships grounded in shared purposes, we can continue to uncover the mysteries of bird migration, and ensure this grandest of nature’s miracles continues far into the future.
With a shared passion for exploration, endurance, and respect for nature, Subaru Southern Africa and BirdLife South Africa are united in their mission to protect these incredible travellers and the wild places they call home.
A European Roller being carefully fitted with a solar-powered satellite tracker as part of BirdLife South Africa’s European Roller Monitoring Project.
