Northern Carmine Bee-eater vs Red-throated Bee-eater

Northern Carmine Bee-eater

Merops nubicus

Small42 gGrassland

This species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly colored, slender bird, predominantly carmine in color, except for a greenish blue head and throat and distinctive black mask. This species has red eyes, a black, pointed, decurved beak, and elongated central tail feathers. The sexes are similar in appearance, and the juveniles can be distinguished from adults by their lack of elongated central tail feathers and the pinkish brown coloration of their mantle, chest to belly, and flanks. The call is a deep, throaty tunk in flight; a series of rik notes when perched.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Hobbyfotowiki · CC0

Red-throated Bee-eater

Merops bulocki

Small23 gShrubland

The adult red-throated bee eater grows to about 20 to 22 cm (8 to 9 in) in length with a moderately long tail, but no streamers. The upper parts are green and the red chin and throat are distinctive, though about 1% of individuals have a yellow throat. The hind neck, breast and underparts are buff, and the under-tail coverts and thighs are bright blue. To the east of the Central African Republic, the birds have blue facial features while to the west these features are green.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: christoph_moning · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Northern Carmine Bee-eater and Red-throated Bee-eater.