Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) – A Comprehensive Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Scientific Name: Merops philippinus
• Common Name: Blue-tailed Bee-eater
• Family: Meropidae (Bee-eater family)
• Order: Coraciiformes
• Genus: Merops
• Species: philippinus

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a stunning, slender bird belonging to the Meropidae family, which consists of insectivorous birds known for their aerial agility and striking coloration. It shares a close relationship with other bee-eaters like the Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti) and the Little Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis).

Morphological Features

Size & Dimensions

• Length: 23–26 cm (9–10 inches)
• Wingspan: 30–35 cm
• Weight: Around 30–35 grams

Coloration & Plumage

• Head & Crown: Reddish-brown
• Throat: Bright yellow, often with a black border
• Upperparts: Greenish-blue with a bright blue tail
• Underparts: Golden-yellow to greenish
• Tail: Long and tapering, with extended central feathers
• Eyes: Deep red, giving an intense gaze
• Beak: Slender, slightly curved, and black
• Legs & Feet: Dark grey

Distinctive Features

• Striking blue tail gives it its name and makes it easily distinguishable.
• A black eye stripe running across the face adds to its sharp appearance.
• Graceful aerial movements, especially during feeding, make it a captivating sight.

Habitat & Distribution

General Habitat

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater thrives in open landscapes that offer a mix of sandy areas and vegetation, including:

• Mangroves and coastal regions
• Riverbanks and estuaries
• Grasslands and open woodlands
• Agricultural fields and orchards
• Sandy banks near wetlands and rivers

Global Distribution

The species is widely found across South and Southeast Asia, with populations extending to:

• Indian Subcontinent: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan
• Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines
• China and Taiwan (seasonal migration)

Presence in Sundarban

The Sundarban mangrove ecosystem provides an ideal habitat for the Blue-tailed Bee-eater, particularly in open clearings near water bodies.

• It is frequently seen perched on mangrove branches or sandbanks near river estuaries.
• It nests in sandy banks along riverine regions, creating tunnels to lay eggs.
• During the migratory season (September to April), populations in Sundarban increase, as birds travel to warmer areas.
• The species benefits from the rich insect population in Sundarban, including bees, dragonflies, and other flying insects.

Diet & Feeding Behavior

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is an aerial insectivore, specializing in catching flying insects mid-air. Its diet consists mainly of:

• Bees and wasps (primary prey, hence the name)
• Dragonflies and damselflies
• Butterflies and moths
• Flying ants and termites
• Beetles and grasshoppers

Hunting Techniques

• Uses perches on open branches to scan the surroundings.
• Exhibits remarkable agility in the air, swooping to snatch prey.
• Before swallowing, it rubs stinging insects like bees and wasps against a branch to remove the venomous stinger.
• Flies in small flocks, often hunting in groups.

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: March to June (varies with region).
• Nesting Sites: Prefers sandbanks, riverbanks, and coastal cliffs where it burrows tunnels.
• Nesting Style: Both parents excavate tunnels up to 1 meter deep to lay eggs.
• Eggs: Typically 4–6 white eggs in a clutch.
• Incubation Period: Around 20–22 days.
• Parental Care: Both parents incubate and feed the chicks, who fledge in about 30 days.

Nesting in Sundarban

• The soft sandy banks of river channels in Sundarban provide ideal nesting grounds.
• The species faces occasional nest flooding due to high tidal activity in the region.
• Some eco-tourism areas in Sundarban have conservation efforts to prevent human disturbance near nesting sites.

Vocalization & Communication

• Call: A sharp, rapid “prrrt” or “chirrup” sound, often heard in flight.
• Purpose: Used for flock communication, mating calls, and alarm signals.
• Flock Behavior: They forage and migrate in loose groups, maintaining constant vocal contact.

Conservation Status & Threats

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

Although it has a stable population, certain factors pose risks:

• Habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation.
• Pesticide use in agriculture reduces insect populations, indirectly affecting food availability.
• Disturbance at nesting sites, especially along sandy banks and mangrove areas.
• Hunting and trapping in some regions for the pet trade.

Conservation Efforts in Sundarban

• The protected status of Sundarban National Park ensures their habitat remains intact.
• Efforts to reduce pesticide usage in buffer zones benefit insectivorous birds.
• Eco-tourism initiatives promote awareness about bee-eaters and their role in the ecosystem.

Ecological Role in Sundarban

• Regulates insect populations, especially bees, wasps, and dragonflies.
• Acts as an indicator species, reflecting ecosystem health.
• Its burrowing activity aerates sandy banks, indirectly benefiting soil stability.
• Provides prey for larger raptors like falcons and hawks, maintaining food web balance.

Conclusion

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a vibrant, agile, and ecologically significant bird found across Sundarban and beyond. Its striking colors, aerial hunting skills, and social behavior make it one of the most fascinating birds in the region. While not currently endangered, conservation efforts focusing on habitat preservation, insect population management, and reducing human disturbances are vital for maintaining its population.

With Sundarban’s rich biodiversity and protected status, this exquisite species will continue to enchant birdwatchers and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of this globally significant mangrove ecosystem.