Rainbow Bee-eater

The Rainbow Bee-eater, Merops ornatus, is a near passerine bird, resplendent in its array of vibrant hues. This avian jewel measures between 23 to 28 centimeters in length, inclusive of its elongated tail feathers, and tips the scales at a delicate 20 to 33 grams. The male of the species boasts slightly longer central tail feathers than the female, a subtle distinction in their otherwise similar brilliant plumage.

Identification Tips

One can identify the Rainbow Bee-eater by its green upper back and wings, contrasted by a bright blue lower back and under-tail coverts. The underwing is a rufous to copper shade, edged with green and tipped with black, while the tail is a deep violet to black. A pale yellow-orange adorns the bird's crown, stomach, and breast, set off by a black crescent-shaped gorget and a black stripe edged with blue through its striking red eye. Juveniles present a greener crown and lack the throat bands and tail streamers of adults.

Habitat

These birds are adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments including open woodlands, beaches, dunes, cliffs, mangroves, and farmlands. They are also known to frequent parks and gardens, bringing their colorful presence into human habitation.

Distribution

The Rainbow Bee-eater is a common sight across southern Australia during the summer, absent only in Tasmania. In winter, they migrate northward to northern Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia. There have been rare sightings as far afield as Miyako Island in Japan.

Behaviour

Rainbow Bee-eaters are gregarious outside of the breeding season, roosting in large groups within dense undergrowth or large trees. They exhibit a remarkable social structure and are known to be monogamous, often mating for life.

Song & Calls

Their vocal repertoire includes a series of loud, melodious "pir-r-r" calls, typically emitted in flight. These calls are characterized by rapid vibrations and a high pitch. A softer, slower call is used for communication between birds at rest.

Nesting

These ground-nesting birds excavate burrows where they lay between 3 and 7 rounded, translucent white eggs. The burrow's narrowness ensures a piston-like air exchange mechanism, vital for the nestlings' survival. Both parents, along with communal group members, feed the fledglings, which leave the nest after 28 to 31 days.

Diet and Feeding

The Rainbow Bee-eater's diet consists predominantly of flying insects, with bees being a particular delicacy. They employ a fascinating technique to remove the stinger from bees before consumption, thus avoiding the venom. Despite their name, they also play a crucial role in controlling pest insect populations.

Conservation status

The Rainbow Bee-eater is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its wide distribution, stable population, and common status. However, local controversies such as the Roe 8 project in Perth highlight the importance of vigilance in protecting their habitats.

In the words of the esteemed naturalist David Attenborough, "The Rainbow Bee-eater, with its splendid plumage and melodious calls, is a testament to nature's capacity for beauty and complexity. It is our duty to ensure that future generations may also stand witness to such marvels."