The Blue-tailed Bee-eater: A Jewel of Avian Biodiversity

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a striking and vibrant bird species known for its graceful flight, vivid plumage, and insectivorous diet. Belonging to the family Meropidae, this species is a vital component of ecosystems across Asia and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

What is the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a medium-sized, slender bird measuring about 23–26 cm in length, including its elongated central tail feathers. It is easily recognized by its brilliant green body, blue tail and rump, chestnut throat, and black eye-stripe that gives it a masked appearance. As its name suggests, the bird primarily feeds on bees, wasps, dragonflies, and other flying insects, capturing them mid-flight with incredible agility.

Where Does the Blue-tailed Bee-eater Come From?

The species is native to a wide region in South and Southeast Asia, with its range extending from India and Sri Lanka through Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and parts of southern China. It is also found in parts of Indonesia and sometimes seen migrating as far as Papua New Guinea.

Discovery: Who First Described the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater was first described scientifically by the renowned Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1766, in the 12th edition of his Systema Naturae. Although it had been known to local communities for centuries, Linnaeus’s formal classification brought the species into the scientific spotlight.

First Discovery Location

The specific type locality (the location where the species was first documented and classified) is believed to be the Philippines, as indicated by the species name "philippinus". However, its widespread presence across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia suggests it was likely known in many regions prior to formal description.

Habitat and Distribution

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater thrives in open habitats such as:

• Riverbanks
• Grasslands
• Agricultural fields
• Mangroves
• Coastal areas
• Scrublands

They are especially common near water bodies, where insect prey is abundant. During breeding seasons, they are known to nest in colonies, often burrowing into sandy banks or flat ground to lay their eggs.

Areas of Highest Abundance

The bird is particularly abundant in:

• Northern and Eastern India
• The Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia
• Coastal Bangladesh
• The Philippines, especially Luzon and Mindanao
• Southern China, during migration

It exhibits migratory behavior in parts of its range, especially in response to monsoon seasons and insect availability.

Ecological Importance in Biodiversity

As an insectivorous bird, the Blue-tailed Bee-eater plays a pivotal role in controlling populations of bees, wasps, termites, and other flying insects. This not only supports natural pest control but also maintains the delicate balance between insect populations and plant pollination dynamics. While they do prey on bees, studies show their impact on bee populations is minimal and does not significantly disrupt pollination services.

Furthermore, as part of food webs, they are preyed upon by larger birds and some reptiles, making them a vital link in terrestrial and riparian ecosystems.

Environmental and Human Significance

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater holds ecological, aesthetic, and even cultural value:

1. Pollination Management: By feeding selectively on older or solitary bees, they may indirectly contribute to healthier hive dynamics and pollination efficiency.
2. Pest Regulation: Their diet includes crop-damaging insects, making them allies to farmers in natural pest suppression.
3. Ecotourism and Birdwatching: Their colorful appearance and sociable nesting habits make them a popular subject for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, promoting conservation tourism in several regions.
4. Indicator Species: Their sensitivity to environmental changes, particularly in insect abundance and wetland quality, makes them valuable bioindicators for monitoring ecosystem health.

Conclusion

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is more than just a visually captivating bird—it is an essential species in the tapestry of biodiversity across Asia. From regulating insect populations to inspiring cultural and scientific curiosity, this bird represents the intricate and often underappreciated connections within our natural world. Conservation of its habitats and migratory routes is critical not just for the species itself but for the broader ecosystems that rely on its ecological functions.

📚 References

1. BirdLife International (2021). Merops philippinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021.
   https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22726174/94934796
2. Fry, C. H., Fry, K., & Harris, A. (1992). Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers. Princeton University Press.
3. del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., & Sargatal, J. (eds.) (2001). Handbook of the Birds of the World, Vol. 6: Mousebirds to Hornbills. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
4. Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D. (1987). Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan, Volume 4. Oxford University Press.
5. Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C. (2012). Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide (2nd ed.). Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.
6. eBird. (n.d.). Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) – Species Map and Data. Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
   https://ebird.org/species/bltbee1
7. Linnaeus, C. (1766). Systema Naturae (12th ed.). Stockholm: Laurentii Salvii.