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Roar & Rove

Green Bee-Eater

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 5-7 years
  • In Captivity: Can live up to 10 years
Body size
  • Length: Approximately 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
  • Weight: Ranges from 15-20 grams (0.5-0.7 ounces)
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Found in Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
  • Habitat: Prefers open woodlands, grasslands, scrublands, farmlands, and coastal regions. They are often seen near water bodies and in areas with abundant insect activity.
Diet
  • Bees and Wasps: Their primary food source, which they catch mid-air.
  • Other Insects: Including butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles.
Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)

The Green Bee-eater, a vibrant and agile bird, is a delightful sight in the wilds of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its striking plumage and aerial acrobatics, this bird is a captivating presence in its environment.

Physical Characteristics: The Green Bee-eater is a small, slender bird, measuring about 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in length, including its elongated central tail feathers. They typically weigh around 15-20 grams (0.5-0.7 ounces). Their bright green plumage, with a golden throat and a black eye stripe, makes them easily recognizable. The underparts are a lighter green, and their wings are edged with blue.

Habitat: This bee-eater species inhabits a variety of environments, including open woodlands, grasslands, scrublands, and farmlands. They are often seen perched on wires, branches, or exposed perches from where they sally forth to catch insects. In Sri Lanka, they are commonly found in both dry and moist regions, making them a widespread species across the island.

Diet:

The Green Bee-eater has a specialized diet primarily consisting of:

  • Bees and Wasps: Their primary food source, which they catch mid-air.
  • Other Insects: Including butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles, which they skillfully snatch during flight.

Their hunting technique involves quick, agile flights to snatch insects from the air, followed by a return to their perch where they often beat the insect against a surface to remove stingers before consumption.

Behavior: Green Bee-eaters are social birds, often seen in small flocks. They exhibit playful behavior and are known for their agile flight patterns. They communicate with soft, pleasant calls and are highly territorial during the breeding season. Their nests are burrowed into sandy banks or flat ground, where they lay and incubate their eggs.

Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, the Green Bee-eater has a stable population. They are adaptable and thrive in a variety of habitats, although continued habitat conservation is essential to ensure their ongoing success.

Lifespan: In the wild, Green Bee-eaters typically live between 5-7 years. In captivity, with proper care, they can live slightly longer.