Bee eater

BIRD - European Bee eater (Merops apiaster) - Italy - Piemonte Photo : Carlo Galliani

The blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family Meropidae. It breeds in southeastern Asia. It is strongly migratory, seen seasonally in much of peninsular India. This species is sometimes considered to be conspecific with the blue-cheeked bee-eater. This species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly coloured, slender bird. It is predominantly green; its face has a narrow blue patch with a black eye stripe, and a yellow and brown throat; the tail…

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Image: SFA_2011_03_0013 A serious green bee eater sitting alone on a tree perch.

The bird of 2010, selected by blog and facebook followers, is the European Bee-eater Merops apiaster. My thanks to all my friends for joining in the fun of selecting this species. It has been your choice! Here is a small selection for all to enjoy...

Spectacularly colorful and unmistakable long-billed insect-eater with a bright yellow throat, gemstone-blue belly, and flame-colored back. Found in open and semiopen country, mainly in drier areas; nests colonially in burrows dug into sand banks, often river banks. Usually seen perched on wires or circling in swallowlike flight, often in small groups; feeds by catching insects (especially bees) on the wing. Quite vocal, often giving distinctive pipping calls.

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