Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater

Overview

The cinnamon-chested bee-eater (Merops oreobates) is a bird species native to the Albertine Rift montane forests and East African montane forests in the regions surrounding Lake Victoria. It is currently assessed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures 22 cm in length with a weight of 17–38 g, and is generally larger and darker than the similar little bee-eater.
• Bright green heads, upper parts, and tails, with yellow chins and throats outlined in black and white extensions to the sides.
• Cinnamon-brown breasts that darken towards the belly.
• Upright stance when perched with the tail pointing downward; tail is blackish with an orange base and white tip when viewed from the front, while mainly green with black edges when flared from the back.

Habitat

Lives in upland regions, typically between 1,800 and 2,300 metres in altitude. It is associated with wooded hillsides, forest edges, clearings, plantations, and gardens in East Africa.

Diet

Consists mainly of honeybees, but also includes moths, butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, and other flying insects.