Merops philippinus Linnaeus, 1767

This has some similarities to the Green Bee-eater, but it is larger in size, and has a chestnut throat, and blue rump and tail. It also is less common, preferring wooded country near water where it can be found in small, loose flocks. It feeds on winged insects, mainly dragonflies, wasps and bees. Flocks can be see flying over forest clearings hawking insects, or perched at the very top of tall trees at the edge of the woodland ready to fly out hunting. Its call is a pleasant tree-tree- tree followed by tit-tit-tit, usually uttered on the wing, but also when perched. They are noisy at roost, and are also late risers, often to be seen in the early morning still perched together on a branch, all facing the same way. Large numbers have been seen to roost in the woodland next to Keezhnathur lake.

 A bulbul size bird with green back bluish tail and orange throat.

 Breeds in sub-tropical open country, such as farmland, parks or paddy-fields. It is most often seen near large waterbodies. Nest in colonies; many birds together on the embankments of the river .

 31cm

Inhabits better-wooded tracts and the neighbourhood of beels and streams.

IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern