From Opus

Photo by suleesia
Location: Penang, Malaysia

Merops philippinus

[edit] Identification

23-26cm. Green, narrow blue patch on face, black eye stripe, yellow and brown throat, blue tail, black bill, 2 elongated central tail feathers. Sexes alike.

[edit] Distribution

Southeastern Asia.

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 4 subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

Farmland, parks or ricefields

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes bees, wasps and hornets.

They nest colonially in sandy banks or open flat areas, making a relatively long tunnel. 5-7 spherical white eggs are laid and are incubated by both parents. These birds also feed and roost communally.

[edit] External Links