The blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a near passerine bird belonging to the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This species is widely found across South and Southeast Asia, where many populations exhibit strong migratory behaviour and are seen seasonally in various regions. They typically breed colonially in specific areas, mainly in river valleys, by tunnelling into loamy sand banks for nesting. Blue-tailed bee-eaters are commonly spotted in open habitats near water sources.
In Sri Lanka, this bird is one of three species that can be observed, while a fourth, rarer species migrates from Europe. In recent years, the number of these migrants has dwindled significantly, often being counted on one hand, or they may no longer be seen at all.
