Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Overview

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a widespread species across South and Southeast Asia, frequenting open country and wetland edges. It is a partial migrant, with some populations moving seasonally within the region.

• Common across much of South and Southeast Asia
• Named for its distinctive blue tail
• Some populations undertake regional migratory movements

Feather Identification

Blue-tailed Bee-eater feathers combine green body plumage with a contrasting blue tail.

• Body: bright green feathers over the back, wings, and underparts
• Throat: chestnut-brown, grading into a yellow patch near the bill
• Tail and rump: blue, distinctly contrasting with the green body
• Eye-stripe: black, bordered by pale blue lines

The blue tail and rump against an otherwise green body separate this species from similar green bee-eaters that show green tails instead.

Plumage Details

Sexes are alike, both showing the green body and blue tail pattern. Juveniles are duller, with a shorter tail lacking the elongated central streamers and a less defined throat pattern. A single annual molt maintains adult plumage.

Habitat & Range

Found across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Southeast Asian countries, and parts of China, inhabiting open country, farmland, and areas near wetlands and rivers. Some populations are resident while others move seasonally within the region, particularly in response to monsoon patterns.

Behavior & Field Notes

This species forages for flying insects in graceful aerial sallies, often near water where insect abundance is high, striking prey against a perch before eating. It nests in burrows dug into sandy banks, sometimes in loose colonies. Its call is a musical, rolling note given in flight. The blue tail and rump contrasting with green body plumage are the primary field marks for this species.