Merops oreobates
The Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater (Merops oreobates) is a spectacularly vibrant, medium-sized avian jewel endemic to the montane regions of East Africa. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm in length, including its often slightly elongated central tail feathers, and weighing a mere 30-40 grams, it is easily identified by its striking plumage. Adults boast a brilliant grass-green back and wings, contrasting with a rich, diagnostic cinnamon-rufous breast and chest. A bright yellow throat is bordered b...
This species primarily inhabits montane forests, forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth at elevations typically ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters. It can also be found in cultivated areas with scattered trees, favoring open canopy environments within its high-altitude domain.
The diet of Merops oreobates consists almost exclusively of flying insects, with a strong preference for Hymenoptera (bees, wasps) and Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies). They capture their prey on the wing through agile aerial hawking from an exposed perch.
Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters are diurnal and highly active, spending their days sallying from prominent perches to catch flying insects. They exhibit a classic "sit-and-wait" foraging strategy, often returning to the same favored branch after a successful aerial pursuit. Outside the breeding seaso...
The Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater is an East African endemic, found throughout the highland regions of the Albertine Rift and surrounding montane areas. Its primary distribution includes western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, central Kenya, and western Tanzania. T...
Least Concern
- The Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater is one of only a few bee-eater species that prefer high-altitude, montane habitats. - Like many bee-eaters, it has a specialized technique to remove the stinger from venomous prey like bees and wasps by repeatedly striking the insect against a hard surface. - Thes...