Somali Bee-eater
NameSomali Bee-eater
Common NameSomali Bee-eater
Scientific NameMerops revoilii
FamilyMeropidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsThis bee-eater has a distinctive white throat, contrasting with a rufous-cinnamon belly and flanks. Its back and wings are green, while the crown and nape are a pale blue. A prominent dark eye-stripe runs through its eye, and it possesses a slender, decurved black bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a soft, trilling 'prrrp' or 'prrr-prrrp', often uttered while in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Horn of Africa, its range includes Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, and northern Kenya, inhabiting arid and semi-arid scrubland and acacia bushland.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, White throat with rufous belly, Pale blue crown and nape, Dark eye-stripe, Green back and wings, Slender, decurved black bill
Description
The Somali Bee-eater is a small, colorful bird characterized by its slender body and long, pointed bill. It is an agile aerial hunter, primarily feeding on flying insects which it catches in mid-air before returning to a perch. This species is often found in arid and semi-arid environments.
