Blue-tailed Bee-eater

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Merops philippinus, is a near passerine bird belonging to the family Meropidae. It is a slender bird with a rich palette of colors, predominantly green with a blue tail. The face features a narrow blue patch with a black eye stripe, and the throat is a mix of yellow and brown. Notably, the beak is black, and the three outer toes are fused at the base. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with a body length of 23–26 cm, including the elongated central tail feathers.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Blue-tailed Bee-eater, look for the blue rather than green rump and tail, distinguishing it from the similar Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. The under-tail coverts are bluish, and the blue cheek patch is smaller. The chestnut on the throat and breast is darker and more extensive.

Habitat

This species is typically found in open habitats near water bodies.

Distribution

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater has a widespread distribution across South and Southeast Asia. It is migratory in many parts of its range, with breeding colonies often found in river valleys.

Behaviour

These birds are known for their colonial breeding habits, nesting in close proximity within vertical mudbanks or sloping land. They exhibit communal feeding and roosting behaviors and may have helpers assisting the breeding pair.

Song & Calls

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater's call is a rolling chirping whistle, described as a "teerp," primarily heard during flight.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from April to May in India, with nests tunneled into loamy sand banks. The species lays 5 to 7 near-spherical eggs, with both parents involved in care. They guard against brood parasitism and extra-pair copulation.

Similar Species

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is the most similar species within its range but can be differentiated by its drier habitat preference and distinct coloration differences.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of flying insects such as bees, wasps, and hornets, which are caught in the air from an open perch. The insects are beaten on the perch to kill them and break the exoskeleton.

Conservation Status

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable population.