About Merops ornatus Latham, 1801
Rainbow bee-eaters (scientific name Merops ornatus Latham, 1801) are brilliantly coloured birds that reach 23–28 cm (9.1–11.0 in) in total length including elongated tail feathers, and weigh 20–33 g (0.71–1.16 oz). Their upper back and wings are green, while the lower back and under-tail coverts are bright blue. The undersides of the wings and primary flight feathers range from rufous to copper, with green edges and black tips, and the main tail is black to deep violet. The two central tail feathers of the rainbow bee-eater are longer than the rest of the tail feathers, and these elongated feathers are longer in males than in females. The crown of the head, breast, stomach, and throat are pale yellow-orange. The species has a black crescent-shaped gorget, and a black stripe edged with blue that runs through its bright red eye. Rainbow bee-eaters have small syndactylous feet, meaning their toes are partly united. Juvenile rainbow bee-eaters have overall duller plumage, a greener crown, and lack both throat bands and elongated central tail streamers. Rainbow bee-eaters are a common species. In summer, they occupy forested areas across most of southern Australia, excluding Tasmania. They migrate north for winter to northern Australia, New Guinea, and some of Indonesia’s southern islands. Vagrant individuals have been recorded on Miyako Island, Japan, and Luidao (Green Island) off southeast Taiwan. Their habitats include open woodlands, beaches, dunes, cliffs, mangroves, and farmlands, and they frequently visit parks and private gardens.
