European Roller sighting in Cornwall.

A rare bird seen in the UK “once every couple of years” has been spotted in Cornwall.

The European Roller is a brightly coloured bird that is mostly found in southern Europe.

Crowds of birdwatchers have flocked to a country estate in west Cornwall where the bird was first spotted.

One of those who managed to photograph the bird described it as “absolutely mind-blowing.”

“Rollers spotted in the UK typically stay for no more than a day or two, so the fact that the current bird has now spent a week here is extremely unusual.”

The bird has remained on land owned by the Clowance Estate, a collection of luxury vacation lodges near Praze-an-Beeble.

He stated: “It’s a ridiculous colour. It’s absolutely stunning from the front.” Every time it moved, it displayed a different colour combination – it was incredible.

“It’s great to be with a group of people who are enthralled by nature’s beauty.”

Mr Clayton described the bird as “flying from tree to tree” and “trying to show itself from every angle.”