The name Coraciiformes is latin for crow-like, and as I painted today's bird I certainly noticed the similarity between this European Roller and some of the jays I painted earlier. The body shape, bill shape, bold colors. This is not to say that they are related in any way, just that early naturalists (and me too) noted a visual likeness.

European Roller, Coracias garrulus, Alicante, Spain, September 5, 2024

Horsebarn Hill really is a special place. Many grassland species show up here, some to breed, and many spend the whole year. The Savannah Sparrow and Northern Harrier are two residents we've seen earlier as is apparently, Jorge's bird of the day. The Eastern Meadowlark definitely breeds here, and for the past few winters we have also found it hanging about this unique habitat.

Eastern Meadowlark, Sturnella magna, Horsebarn Hill, Storrs-Mansfield Connecticut