Merops hirundineus
The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, *Merops hirundineus*, is a stunningly vibrant avian species native to sub-Saharan Africa, immediately identifiable by its emerald green plumage, bright yellow throat, and most notably, a deeply forked, swallow-like blue tail. This medium-sized bird typically measures 20-22 cm in length, with its distinctive tail streamers contributing up to 6 cm, and weighs between 20-30 grams. A striking black gorget crosses its breast, complemented by a black stripe through the...
Found in open woodlands, savannas, thorny scrub, and forest edges across sub-Saharan Africa, generally at lower to mid-elevations.
Primarily large flying insects, including bees, wasps, dragonflies, butterflies, and grasshoppers, captured on the wing.
Typically diurnal, Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters often congregate in communal roosts in trees or dense reeds during the night. Their primary foraging strategy involves sallying forth from exposed perches, such as dead branches or power lines, to expertly snatch flying insects mid-air before returning...
The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater enjoys a broad and extensive resident range across sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west, eastwards through the Sahel and Horn of Africa to Somalia, and southwards across the continent to Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and the northern reaches of South A...
Least Concern
- The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater is the only bee-eater species with a deeply forked, swallow-like tail. - They are masters at disarming stinging prey, expertly rubbing bees and wasps against a perch to remove the sting and discharge venom before ingestion. - Despite their name, their diet includes ...