Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
Merops hirundineus
Points
10
per confirmed sighting
BirdConservation status: Least ConcernCommon to spot
birds • Meropidae
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater.
S
Merops hirundineus
Category
birds
Family
Meropidae
Size
Body mass: approximately 21.7 g (EltonTraits).
Points
10 pts
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding swallow-tailed bee-eater in its natural range.
Overview
How to identify it
Habitat
EltonTraits foraging-strata profile: canopy foraging 70%, aerial foraging 20%, mid-level vegetation 10%.
Diet
EltonTraits diet profile: invertebrates 100%.
Behaviour
When to look
Not classified as primarily nocturnal in EltonTraits.
Where to see it
South Africa
Namibia
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Mozambique
AngolaSafety and etiquette
Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.
Verification and sources
1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.