Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Merops philippinus

Family: Bee-eaters · Status: Common migrant · Size: 23–24 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds from the Indian subcontinent and southern China through Southeast Asia, with populations wintering south.

Identification

Adult is orangey-green overall with deep orange throat, bluish rump and tail with streamers. Juvenile is greener overall with little orange on upperparts or underparts, weaker orange on throat and lacks tail-streamers. Orange (not blue) throat separates it from Blue-throated Bee-eater.

Habitat

Open and urban areas, marshes, grasslands, and forests; frequents open habitats near water.

Behaviour

Feeds in flight on flying insects including dragonflies, bees, and hornets; hunts from exposed perches and beats prey against perch.