How to identify the Green Bee-eater

To correctly identify the Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

16-18 cm (including 5-7 cm tail streamers)

Wingspan

28-32 cm

Weight

15-20 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Predominantly bright green, often with a golden-green wash on the crown and mantle. The throat is typically blue-green, sometimes with a rufous or yellowish tinge depending on the subspecies. A prominent black stripe runs through the eye, bordered by a narrow blue line above and below. The flight feathers are rufous with green tips, and the underparts are pale green. The central tail feathers are elongated into distinctive streamers, especially in adults.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, slender, decurved black bill, sharply pointed.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Reddish-brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to blackish.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Bright green plumage, black eye-stripe, long central tail streamers (absent in juveniles), slender decurved bill, and agile flight.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller green overall, lack the elongated central tail streamers, and have a less defined black eye-stripe. Their throat may be paler, and the crown can be more brownish-green.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. The intensity of colors might vary slightly due to feather wear or freshness after molting.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage. Males typically have slightly longer central tail streamers than females, but this is not a reliable field mark for sexing individuals.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Small, slender bird with a long, decurved bill and often elongated central tail feathers.
• Plumage Color. Overall bright green, with a golden-green crown and blue-green throat. Look for the distinct black eye-stripe.
• Tail Streamers. Adults possess two long, thin central tail feathers that extend beyond the rest of the tail. Juveniles lack these.
• Perching Behavior. Often perches conspicuously on exposed branches, wires, or posts, providing excellent views.
• Flight Style. Agile, undulating flight as it sallies out to catch insects, often returning to the same perch.
• Vocalization. Listen for its characteristic soft, trilling 'trrr-trrr-trrr' call, often given in flight.

Explore the Green Bee-eater