The blue-moustached bee-eater is a species of bird in the family Meropidae. It is native to the Upper Guinean forests, the Western High Plateau and Bioko.
Region
West and Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs disjunctly in the Upper Guinean forests of West Africa and in the Lower Guinean region including the Western High Plateau and the island of Bioko. It inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen rainforest, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. Frequently uses canopy gaps, light wells, and forest tracks for foraging. Nests are typically placed in earthen banks along rivers or roads within or adjacent to forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A forest-dwelling bee-eater, it hunts on the wing, sallying from shaded perches to snatch bees, wasps, and other flying insects. Like other bee-eaters, it often removes stingers by striking prey against a perch before swallowing. It nests in burrows excavated in earthen banks, road cuttings, or stream sides. The species can be elusive, spending much time in mid-canopy within dense rainforest.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups. Breeds in colonies or small clusters where suitable earthen banks exist, excavating tunnels that end in a nesting chamber. Courtship involves aerial pursuits and food passing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, mellow whistles and purring trills, often from a shaded perch within the mid-canopy. Calls are less ringing than open-country bee-eaters and can be easily overlooked in forest ambience.
