Black Bee-eater
NameBlack Bee-eater
Common NameBlack Bee-eater
Scientific NameMerops gularis
FamilyMeropidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)25
Plumage DetailsThe head, back, and wings are glossy black. It features a prominent bright red throat patch. The breast and belly are a brilliant turquoise-blue, often with fine white streaking on the breast. The tail is dark.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations are typically soft, trilling 'prrrp' or 'prrr-prrr' calls, often given in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, from Sierra Leone east to Uganda and south to Angola.
Identifying Featuresglossy black plumage, bright red throat patch, brilliant turquoise-blue underparts, long, slender, slightly decurved black bill, typical bee-eater body shape
Description
This striking bee-eater is characterized by its predominantly black plumage contrasted with a vibrant red throat and brilliant blue underparts. It is an agile aerial hunter, primarily feeding on insects caught in flight within its dense forest habitat.
