Swallow-tailed Bee-eater vs Golden-breasted Bunting

In short

The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater and the Golden-breasted Bunting can be distinguished primarily by their tail and plumage. The Bee-eater has a distinctively long, forked tail and vibrant green plumage, while the Bunting features a more typical bunting shape with a shorter tail and striking golden breast.

Identification tips

• Look for the long, forked tail of the Swallow-tailed Bee-eater.
• Note the bright green plumage of the Bee-eater compared to the golden breast of the Bunting.
• Check for the blue throat on the Bee-eater, absent in the Bunting.
• The Bunting has black and white head stripes, which are not present in the Bee-eater.

Plumage

The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater exhibits bright green plumage with a blue throat and a long, forked tail. In contrast, the Golden-breasted Bunting has a golden-yellow breast, black and white head stripes, and lacks the long tail.