The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater is partially migratory from east to west in sub-Saharan Africa. They are often seen roosting together in a tightly-packed row.
Appearance: The blue, deeply-forked tail is the defining feature of this predominantly green bird. Other characteristics include a yellow throat with a blue band and green chest with blue belly. Immature birds are apple-green above and below with a pale throat and no band. Males and females are alike. Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters are distinguished from Little Bee-eaters by the blue collar, blue underparts and tail.
Size: Swallow-tailed Bee eaters are between 20 and 22cm tall and weigh about 23g.
Habitat: Predominantly savannah woodlands.
Feeding Habits: Swallow-tailed Bee eaters hunt communally in pairs or small groups, taking bees and other insects from the air.
Call: Calls vary from a soft “kwit kwit” to a high-pitched “kweep kweepy buzz kweep”.
Breeding: Breeding season is from September to December, when 2 to 4 eggs are laid in a tunnel burrowed into sandy banks or flat ground. The birds nest in small colonies or in pairs. The nests are parasitized by the Greater Honeyguide.