Olive Bee-eater

The Olive Bee-eater, or Madagascar Bee-eater (Merops superciliosus), is a bird of vibrant plumage and graceful flight. Adults boast a bronzy-green sheen, an olive cap, and a striking white forehead. Their eyebrows, chin, and cheeks are also white, while the rump and tail exhibit a vivid blue, contrasting with the black streamers that trail behind them in flight. These birds typically measure between 23 to 26 cm in length, with tail streamers contributing an additional 7 cm.

Identification Tips

When observing the Olive Bee-eater, look for its distinctive white facial markings and bronzy-green plumage. The blue rump and tail, along with the elongated black tail streamers, are key features that aid in identification. Both sexes appear similar, making them indistinguishable in the field based on plumage alone.

Habitat

This species is known to inhabit grasslands and coastal mountain forests, where it can be seen darting gracefully through the air.

Distribution

The Olive Bee-eater graces the skies of the southern half of Africa, with its presence recorded in a multitude of countries including Angola, Botswana, and all the way to Zimbabwe. It is also a native sight in Madagascar. The bird's range is divided between two subspecies: M. s. superciliosus, found in East Africa, Madagascar, and the Comoro Islands, and M. s. alternans, residing in western Angola and northwest Namibia.

Behaviour

These birds are partially migratory, breeding primarily in the southern reaches of their range and relocating northward during the dry season in southern Africa. They do not engage in cooperative breeding, and their offspring are independent after a relatively short period, which is more characteristic of temperate zone passerines than of their tropical Meropidae relatives.

Breeding

Breeding takes place at the onset of the southern African wet season, with nests being burrowed into the ground. Four eggs are typically laid, and the chicks usually emerge at the dawn of December.

Similar Species

While there are no details provided on similar species, one should compare the Olive Bee-eater with other bee-eaters in the region, noting the unique coloration and tail streamers for accurate identification.

Diet and Feeding

The Olive Bee-eater, as its name suggests, feeds primarily on bees and other flying insects, which it catches with remarkable aerial agility.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Olive Bee-eater as "Least Concern," indicating a stable population across its wide range.