Blue-tailed Bee-eater feeding (Part 1)

on 21st January 2016

“On 4th December 2015, a hot and hungry Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) was perched on a high branch, fervently scanning its surroundings for potential prey (above). When a target was eventually acquired, it leaned its head forward to lock on to its prey (below), before launching an aerial strike.


“A video clip of this bee-eater actively scanning the horizon may be previewed here:

“Shortly after, it returned to the same perch with a live giant honey bee (Apis dorsata) struggling in its beak (below). With skillful dexterity, the venomous sting of this bee was swiftly disarmed prior to ingestion.

“A video clip of this bee-bashing and swallowing session may be previewed here: “

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
14th January 2016

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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