Guêpier à gorge bleue vs Guêpier à queue d'azur

The Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) and Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) can be distinguished by their throat and tail colors. The Blue-throated has a distinctive blue throat, while the Blue-tailed features a blue tail. Both species have similar body structures, but these color differences are key for identification.

Focus on the throat and tail colors: Blue-throated Bee-eater has a blue throat, and Blue-tailed Bee-eater has a blue tail. Use these differences as primary identification markers when observing these species in the field.

The Blue-throated Bee-eater has a blue throat, whereas the Blue-tailed Bee-eater has a blue tail. Both species have similar overall green plumage but these specific color differences are crucial for distinguishing them.