The swallow-tailed bee-eater is a species of bee-eater native to sub-Saharan Africa. It feeds predominantly on insects, especially bees and their relatives, which are caught in flight from an open perch. Its vivid colors and forked tail are distinctive.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found from southern to eastern and parts of central Africa, favoring open woodland, savanna, thornveld, and scrub. It frequents edges of clearings, riparian corridors, and lightly cultivated areas where perches are available. Often occurs near flowering shrubs and trees that attract bees and other hymenopterans. Avoids dense forest interiors but uses open patches within mosaics. Local movements often track seasonal rains and insect abundance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This vivid green bee-eater is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and is easily recognized by its deeply forked, swallow-like tail. It hawks bees, wasps, and other flying insects from exposed perches, often returning to the same spot. Before swallowing stinging prey, it rubs them against the perch to remove stingers. It typically nests in burrows excavated in sandy banks or flat ground, often in loose colonies.
Juvenile M. h. hirundineus, Namibia
M. hirundineus chrysolaimus in The Gambia
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups and may gather in loose flocks at rich feeding sites or communal roosts. Pairs excavate nesting burrows in sandy soils and may nest semi-colonially. Courtship includes aerial chases and prey offerings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives soft, liquid trills and clear, tinkling prree or pirr notes in flight. Calls are melodious but subdued, carrying well over open habitats.
Plumage
Bright green upperparts and underparts with a blue throat bordered by a narrow black gorget; black eye mask with fine pale or turquoise edging. The tail is deeply forked with elongated central feathers tipped dark. Underwings show warm rufous tones in flight.
Diet
Specializes in flying insects, especially bees, wasps, and other hymenopterans. Also takes dragonflies, butterflies, beetles, flying termites, and ants. Captured prey are usually struck and rubbed on the perch to remove stingers or wings before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Hunts from exposed perches such as shrubs, small trees, fences, or wires in open woodland and savanna. Common near flowering plants and watercourses where insect activity is high.
