Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus)

The blue tail and uppertail coverts help distinguish this species from the similar Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. This is an adult showing fully grown central tail spikes. Although this species is widespread in Southeast Asia, it is local and rare in New Britain. We were lucky to see this attractive species there. Formerly considered a subspecies of the Madagascar Bee-eater aka Olive Bee-eater (Merops superciliosus).