Green Bee-eater look-alikes
Merops orientalis
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Green Bee-eater. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
Merops persicus
Key differences
Larger size, more prominent blue cheeks, rufous throat, and longer tail streamers. Green Bee-eater is smaller, entirely green with a black eye-stripe and blue-green throat.
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Merops philippinus
Key differences
Larger, with a chestnut throat, blue rump and tail, and a more prominent black gorget. Green Bee-eater lacks the chestnut throat and blue rump/tail.
European Bee-eater
Merops apiaster
Key differences
Much larger, with a multi-colored plumage including yellow, chestnut, and blue. Green Bee-eater is predominantly green.
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