Asian Green Bee-eater

On a wire stretched between earth and sky, a little green flame rests; sunrise on its crown, the whole forest folded quietly into its wings.

Asian Green Bee-eater
Merops orientalis
Family: Meropidae | Order: Coraciiformes

Recognisable by its emerald-green plumage, golden-rufous crown, black eye-mask, turquoise throat and elongated central tail feathers. This small bird measures roughly 16–18 cm and weighs about 15–20 g. It watches from exposed perches before darting into the air to catch bees, wasps, dragonflies and other flying insects. Stinging prey is repeatedly struck or rubbed against the perch before being swallowed. It nests inside tunnels excavated in sandy soil or earthen banks.