The
green bee-eater is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, and western Arabia and Asia, through India to Vietnam. It is green overall with a green-blue throat and a thin black throat band. Some subspecies have a rusty crown or a bright blue throat.
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| This green bee-eater was found in Udawalawe NP and looks like the subspecies ceylonicus given the golden brown sheen on the head. |
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| The same bird from a different angle. |
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| I found this photo later, taken in Yala NP with my point and shoot. It was right next to our vehicle. |
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| A different photo of the same bird. |
In Sri Lanka, the subspecies Merops orientalis orientalis has a head and neck tinged with rufus, while the suspecies M.o. ceylonicus has a nape and hind neck with more pronounced golden brown sheen.
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| Also found in Udawalawe NP, this green bee-eater has a darker red head |
We saw lots of bee-eaters and one of my regrets is that I did not insist on stopping for more photos of them. I find great variety in their appearance and wish for more and better photos.
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| This green bee-eater was found in Yala NP. |
These are one of my favorites. Besides their gorgeous jewel-tones, I love those two long feathers on their tail that look a little like a stinger on a bee.
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