A common winter visitor here in Singapore, they are often seen with the partially resident Blue-throated Bee-eaters that look quite similar. The bee-eaters feed on bees, dragonflies, mayflies, practically any flying insects it can get hold of. They are experts in aerial hunting (hawking) with a keen eyesight to spot, track and chase down their aerial prey. 

The blue-tailed breed is common in Singapore, with most migrating to Indonesia from September onwards. They are one of two bee-eater species in Singapore, the other being the blue-throated bee-eater (Merops viridis) which is a winter visitor.

The bee-eaters are insectivorous, they feed solely on flying insects and can be seen regularly regurgitating pallets containing parts of insects that are indigestible.

Nature's dog-fighters, the bee-eaters are experts in "hawking" or aerial hunting. Highly agile and manoeuvrable, they are able to track and chase down small flying insects from a distance!

There are 27 species of bee-eaters in the world, and they are closely related to the rollers and kingfishers. Their feet are small and syndactyl where the second and third digits are joined. They are mostly found in Africa and Asia, with a few species in southern Europe, Australia and New Guinea.

A priced possession in the beak of a Blue-tailed Bee-eater, an Asian Honey Bee. The most common bee species in Singapore.