About Merops apiaster Linnaeus, 1758
Like other bee-eaters, Merops apiaster Linnaeus, 1758 is a slender bird with rich, varied coloration. Its upperparts are brown and yellow, its wings are green, and its beak is black. Including the two elongated central tail feathers, the species reaches a total length of 27–29 cm (10.6–11.4 in), and individuals weigh 44–78 g, with an average weight of 52 g. Males and females have similar overall appearance; females typically have greener shoulder feathers instead of gold. Non-breeding individuals have much duller plumage, a blue-green back, and lack the elongated central tail feathers. Juvenile Merops apiaster resemble non-breeding adults, but have less variation in feather coloration. Adult birds begin moulting in June or July, and finish moulting by August or September. They undergo a second moult into breeding plumage while wintering in Africa.
