Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) [XC306568]
by Peter Boesman from Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam (call)
Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) [XC291400]
by Marc Anderson from Morong, Bataan, Central Luzon, Philippines (call)
Nest
In an excavated burrow in sandy soils. In colonies.
Eggs (Guide)
Clutch Size: 1 - 6
Color: pure white
Dimensions: 23 x 21 mm (round)
Subspecies
Relationships uncertain. Javan population has sometimes been considered subspecifically distinct on plumage, with subspecies sumatranus consequently resurrected to include all other populations herein placed in nominate. However, detected differences appear to be related merely to age or wear.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
viridis Linnaeus, 1758 - South-eastern China (including Hainan), southern Thailand and Indochina (except much of Laos) south to Sumatra, Java, Borneo and northern Natuna Is.
americanus Müller, PLS, 1776 - Philippines. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Rufous-crowned Bee-eater (Merops americanus).
Similar Species
Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) which has a grren crown and mantle, and a rufous throat.
References
See References.