African Green Bee-eater
NameAfrican Green Bee-eater
Common NameAfrican Green Bee-eater
Scientific NameMerops viridissimus
FamilyMeropidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)18
Plumage DetailsPredominantly bright green plumage over the entire body. It features a prominent black stripe running through the eye and a yellowish-brown throat. The central tail feathers are elongated into distinctive streamers.
Vocalization / CallA soft, trilling 'prrrp' or 'tree-tree-tree' often given in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east through the Sahel region to Sudan and Eritrea.
Identifying Featuresbright green plumage, black eye-stripe, slender body, long decurved black bill, elongated central tail feathers, agile flight
Description
A small, slender bee-eater known for its brilliant green plumage and acrobatic flight. This species primarily preys on flying insects, often catching them in mid-air from an open perch.
