Blue-tailed Bee-eater vs Rainbow Bee-eater

In short

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater and Rainbow Bee-eater are both colorful members of the Meropidae family, but they can be distinguished by their tail and throat colors. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater has a distinct blue tail and a rufous throat, while the Rainbow Bee-eater features a more vividly colored tail and a golden throat.

Identification tips

1. Look for the blue tail and rufous throat of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater. 2. Note the golden throat and vividly multicolored tail of the Rainbow Bee-eater. 3. Consider habitat: wetlands for Blue-tailed, varied open areas for Rainbow. 4. Listen for subtle differences in their high-pitched calls.

Size

Both species are similar in size, with slender bodies and long tail streamers.

Plumage

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater has a blue tail and a rufous throat, whereas the Rainbow Bee-eater has a more vibrant, multicolored tail and a golden-yellow throat. Both have green upperparts, but the Rainbow Bee-eater's plumage is more vividly colored overall.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar behaviors, such as sallying from perches to catch insects mid-air.

Habitat

Both species are found in open habitats, but the Blue-tailed Bee-eater is more often associated with wetlands and coastal areas, while the Rainbow Bee-eater can be found in a wider range of open woodlands and forests.

Voice

Their calls are similar, consisting of high-pitched, rolling notes, but specific differences in vocalizations are subtle and may require experience to distinguish.