The rufous-crowned bee-eater is a species of bird in the family Meropidae. It is endemic to the Philippines, where it is widely distributed. Despite its scientific name, it is not found in the New World, and its name is likely erroneous.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout much of the Philippine archipelago, favoring open and semi-open habitats such as forest edges, agricultural lands, grasslands with scattered trees, and coastal areas. Common along river corridors and near sandy or earthen banks suitable for nesting burrows. Readily uses human-altered landscapes, including plantations and rural settlements. Often forms small colonies near nesting substrates.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recently split from the Blue-throated Bee-eater, this species is endemic to the Philippines. Despite the epithet americanus, it does not occur in the Americas—an error dating back to early taxonomy. Like other bee-eaters, it excavates nesting burrows in sandy banks and deftly removes stingers by beating prey on a perch. It is often seen perched on wires or exposed branches, sallying out to catch flying insects.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies and brief glides
Social Behavior
Frequently perches conspicuously in small groups and nests colonially in burrows tunneled into sandy or earthen banks. Pairs form during the breeding season and may engage in courtship feeding. They often return to favored perches and nesting sites year after year.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, rolling prreee and chittering notes in flight and from perches. Calls are musical yet thin, often delivered repeatedly when foraging or interacting with flockmates.
Plumage
Sleek, glossy plumage with green mantle and underparts, rufous crown and nape, and a contrasting blue throat. Shows a dark mask through the eye, bright blue rump, and elongated central tail streamers. Wings are green with darker flight feathers; tail is bluish with blackish tips.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying insects, especially bees, wasps, and hornets, as well as dragonflies, butterflies, and beetles. Captures prey on the wing from exposed perches. Typically disarms stinging insects by striking them against a branch and squeezing out the venom before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, open fields, riverbanks, and coastal margins where insect activity is high. Often forages near nesting colonies and along linear features like streams, roads, and fencelines.
