Green Bee-eater
Scientific Name: Merops orientalis
Physical Features: The Green Bee-eater is a small, slender bird with vibrant green plumage. A black eye stripe runs from its beak to the back of its head, complemented by a narrow black band or "gorget" on the throat. The wings are green with a slight bluish tint, and the tail ends in elongated central feathers, creating a spatula shape. The bird's underparts are a lighter green, sometimes with a yellowish hue. Its slightly curved bill is designed for catching flying insects.
Habitat: Green Bee-eaters are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South, and Southeast Asia. They thrive in open habitats like grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and agricultural fields. They are often found near water sources, as these areas attract the insects they prey on. Adaptable to human environments, they can also inhabit gardens, parks, and plantations.
Behavior: Highly social, Green Bee-eaters are often seen in small groups. Known for their agile flight, they catch flying insects like bees, wasps, and other Hymenoptera in mid-air. After catching a bee or wasp, they beat it against a perch to remove the stinger before eating. Their diet consists mainly of flying insects.
Conservation Status: Least Concerned
Unique Traits: Cooperative breeding behavior is common, where previous offspring help the breeding pair care for the young.
Green Bee-eaters have adapted to safely eat bees and wasps by removing the stinger and venom sac before consumption.
They frequently dust bathe, helping keep their feathers in good condition and free of parasites.
Vocalizations: Green Bee-eaters produce soft "chirrup" or "trill" sounds, typically when flying or perched. These calls are used for communication with the flock or as an alarm when predators are nearby.
Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding takes place during spring and summer, depending on the region. Green Bee-eaters dig burrows, often in sandy banks, where they lay 4-7 eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, which last around two weeks, and they also feed the chicks. The young fledge after three weeks but may be fed for a few more weeks.
Ecological Importance: Green Bee-eaters help control insect populations, particularly bees and wasps, maintaining a natural balance. They also serve as prey for larger birds, fitting into the food web, and their burrowing behavior aids in soil aeration, which benefits plant growth.