Asian Green Bee-Eater

The Asian Green Bee-Eater (Merops orientalis), also known as the little green bee-eater, and green bee-eater in Sri Lanka, is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family. It is extensively spread throughout Asia, from coastal southern Iran in the east through the Indian subcontinent to Vietnam, and is resident but prone to seasonal movements. Populations that were earlier categorized as belonging to this species (under the name Green Bee-eater) in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula are now thought to be separate species. They are primarily insect-eating animals that live in grassland, thin scrub, and forests, typically at a distance from bodies of water.

This type of bee-eater is a slim, vividly colored bird. The extended middle tail feathers make up around 2 inches of its approximate 9 inches (16–18 cm) length. There is no visible difference between the sexes. The chin and throat are particularly blue-tinged, and the entire plumage is vivid green. The upper back and crown have golden rufous undertones. The flying feathers are rufous with a green wash and blackish tips. In front of and behind each eye is a thin black line. The legs are dark grey, the iris is scarlet, and the bill is black. The three toes of the foot are connected at the base, making them weak.