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GrasslandCavity nestSmall · 15 g
ID tip
Members of this species, like other bee-eaters, are rich and brightly coloured slender birds. They have green upper parts, yellow throats, black gorgets, and rich brown upper breasts fading to buffish ochre on the belly. Their wings are green and brown. Their beaks and legs are black. Tail is square in shape with a slight fork or v-shape at the end. They reach a length of 15–17 cm, which makes them the smallest African bee-eater. Sexes are alike. Often silent, their call is a soft "seep". They are often hard to spot since their green backs and wings act as camouflage.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Little Bee-eater
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Little Bee-eater
The map shades 40 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Little Bee-eater
The little bee-eater is a bird species in the bee-eater family, Meropidae. They are found in Sub-Saharan Africa. They should not be confused with the little green bee-eater. Migration is limited to seasonal movements depending on rainfall patterns. They inhabit various biomes, such as savanna, bushveld, and even marsh-like areas.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Chestnut-headed Bee-eaterMerops leschenaultiThe chestnut-headed bee-eater is 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 in) in overall length and weighs 26–33 g (0.92–1.16 oz).
White-fronted Bee-eaterMerops bullockoidesThis species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly coloured, slender bird, but with a distinctive black mask, white forehead, square tail and a bright red throat.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eaterMerops persicusThis species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly coloured, slender bird.
Side by side: Blue-tailed Bee-eater vs Little Bee-eater · Little Bee-eater vs Rainbow Bee-eater · Chestnut-headed Bee-eater vs Little Bee-eater · Little Bee-eater vs White-fronted Bee-eater · Blue-cheeked Bee-eater vs Little Bee-eater
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