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Blue-throated Bee-eater

Meropidae

Photo: Mike Gordon — wildlifeofeverywhere.com

Merops viridis

Basic stats

Diet

Mostly bees, wasps and dragonflies

Habitat

Subtropical or tropical mangrove forest; 0–670m, up to 1,600m

Range

Southeast Asia

Size

About 21cm, plus 9cm tail streamers

Weight

34–41g

The blue-throated bee-eater is a medium-large bee-eater, about 21 cm long excluding the elongated central tail feathers, which add about 9 cm, and weighing about 34–41 g. It has a red-brown nape, dark green wings, a light green breast and a signature blue throat. Juveniles have a dark green head and wings and a light green breast, and gain the full plumage in adulthood. It is found in much of Southeast Asia, in subtropical or tropical mangrove forest (Wikipedia, general species account).

Its diet is mostly bees, wasps and dragonflies. It has a rich variety of songs and calls, including long calls that carry far in the forest. It is most widespread at low altitudes of 0–670 m but is known up to 1,600 m, and colonies range from 50 to 200 pairs, or single birds living solitary in the open country (Wikipedia, general species account).

Quick answers

What does the Blue-throated Bee-eater eat?
Mostly bees, wasps and dragonflies
What habitat does the Blue-throated Bee-eater live in?
Subtropical or tropical mangrove forest; 0–670m, up to 1,600m
Where is the Blue-throated Bee-eater found?
Southeast Asia
How big is the Blue-throated Bee-eater?
About 21cm, plus 9cm tail streamers
How much does the Blue-throated Bee-eater weigh?
34–41g
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