The Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater (Merops phoenicoides) is a strikingly colorful bird found primarily in parts of Asia, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Here are some key features and facts about this vibrant species:

Physical Characteristics

• Coloration: As the name suggests, it has a beautiful blue tail. The upper body is predominantly green, transitioning into a bright yellow belly.
• Size: Typically measures about 26-28 cm in length, making it a medium-sized bird.
• Beak: They possess a long, pointed beak perfectly adapted for catching insects in flight, particularly bees and wasps.

Habitat

• Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters are commonly found in open habitats like grasslands, savannas, and near water bodies.
• They prefer areas with sparse trees where they can perch to hunt for insects.

Behavior

• Diet: Their diet consists mainly of flying insects, especially bees, which they capture mid-air.
• Nesting: They usually nest in burrows dug into sandy banks or cliffs. A single brood may contain 4-6 eggs, which both parents incubate.

This species is not only important for maintaining the ecological balance by controlling insect populations but is also a delight for bird watchers due to its vibrant plumage and acrobatic flying skills.