Asian Green Bee-eater

The Asian green bee-eater occupies a broad range from Africa through the Middle East and Indian subcontinent to southwestern China and Southeast Asia. It favors open, comparatively dry landscapes containing bushes, trees, or wires for perching, including arid woodland, scrub, dry riverbeds, pasture, and farmland. Sandy ground or banks are required for excavation of nesting tunnels. Adults measure 16–18 cm and weigh 15–20 g. Their vivid green plumage, black facial stripe, throat band, slender bill, and elongated central tail feathers are distinctive. (Animal Diversity Web)

These bee-eaters watch from exposed perches before pursuing flying insects, particularly bees and wasps, as well as beetles, flies, moths, butterflies, and dragonflies. They are monogamous cooperative breeders nesting in small colonies. Both partners excavate a tunnel in loose sand and share incubation; additional helpers may provision or defend the nestlings. Clutches contain two to six eggs, commonly three or four. Incubation lasts fourteen to sixteen days, and the young generally leave the nesting tunnel after another twenty to twenty-five days. (Animal Diversity Web)