Merops revoilii
The Somali Bee-eater, Merops revoilii, is the smallest and arguably one of the most distinctive members of the bee-eater family (Meropidae). Measuring a mere 16-18 cm in length and weighing between 12-19 grams, this avian jewel sports a striking plumage of bright green upperparts, rich pinkish-cinnamon on its breast and belly, and a diagnostic black eye-stripe that sharply contrasts with a brilliant turquoise throat patch. Its slender, slightly down-curved black bill and elongated central tai...
Found in arid and semi-arid acacia scrublands, open thornbush, and savanna environments, typically at low to moderate elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, specializing in Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, hornets), but also preying on other flying insects like flies and beetles.
The Somali Bee-eater is a diurnal and highly agile aerial insectivore, frequently observed perching conspicuously on dead branches or elevated shrubs, scanning for prey. Its primary foraging strategy involves sallying out from these perches to snatch flying insects mid-air, a technique it execute...
The Somali Bee-eater is an endemic resident of the arid and semi-arid regions of northeastern Africa. Its primary distribution encompasses southern Djibouti, eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, and extends south into northern and eastern Kenya, with occasional records from northeastern Uganda. This specie...
Least Concern
- The Somali Bee-eater is the smallest species within the diverse Meropidae family, measuring a mere 16-18 cm. - It possesses a unique method of preparing its stinging prey: rubbing bees and wasps against a hard surface to dislodge or neutralize their stingers before consumption. - Despite its na...