Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater
Merops philippinus
About the Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater
The blue-tailed bee-eater is a slender, vividly coloured bird that migrates to Wilpattu. True to its name, it has a bright blue tail, along with a green body, yellow throat, chestnut throat band, and a black eye stripe. It catches flying insects — especially bees, wasps, and dragonflies — in mid-air with remarkable agility. It removes the sting of bees and wasps by repeatedly rubbing the insect against a branch before swallowing it.
Wilpattu Significance
Blue-tailed bee-eaters are common winter visitors to Wilpattu, arriving from Southeast Asia. They are most visible from October to March. They perch in small groups on exposed branches, power lines, and fence posts, making short aerial sallies to catch insects. Their acrobatic flight and vivid colours make them a favourite among birdwatchers. They are especially common near villus where insect density is highest.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. Common winter visitor across Sri Lanka.
Best Season to See
October-March (migratory season).
Best Locations in Wilpattu
- Open areas near villus
- Lunuwewa
- Kokkare Villu
- along park roads
Viewing Tips
- 1Look for them perching in small groups on exposed branches
- 2They return to the same perch repeatedly between feeding flights
- 3Watch for their acrobatic aerial maneuvers as they chase insects
- 4Early morning is best — insects are most active and the light is soft
Photography Tips
- A bee-eater with a dragonfly or bee in its bill is the classic shot
- Side profile shows the full colour palette — blue tail, green body, yellow throat
- Fast shutter speed (1/2000s) is essential for freeze-frame in-flight shots
- Perch shots with the blue tail clearly visible are reliable and beautiful
Did You Know?
Before eating a bee, the bee-eater removes the sting by rubbing the bee's abdomen against its perch — a behaviour called 'beating'. It then squeezes the venom out before swallowing. This learned behaviour is passed down through generations.
Ready to see the Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater in the wild? Book a Wilpattu safari with expert naturalists who know exactly where and when to find them.