Abejaruco verde

1. Nombre del ave
The Little Green Bee-eater, also known by its scientific name Merops orientalis.

2. Aspecto
As indicated by its common name, the Little Green Bee-eater predominantly sports vibrant green plumage with a turquoise tint, lending the bird a slightly iridescent appearance when viewed up-close or in suitable light. Its underparts are pale green which gradually blend into a teal blue on the chest. A distinct black ‘necklace’ or collar separates the head from the body, set against a bright orange throat. The crown and the back of the head feature glossy golden-green tones. A slender, black, elongated central tail feathers is one of its fascinating physical characteristics. It has a thin, black, slightly downward-curved beak meant for its insectivorous diet. The eye color is an arresting, bright crimson. Male and female Little Green Bee-eaters are similar in color and markings; differentiation is difficult without close observation.

3. Tamaño
Typically, the body length of this creature ranges from 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 inches), including the elongated central tail feathers, its wingspan is estimated at roughly 20cm (7.9 inches). These birds are relatively lightweight, weighing anywhere between 15-20 grams.

4. Hábitat y distribución
The Little Green Bee-eater can be found widely across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, primarily in Iraq, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. These birds are seen in lightly wooded habitats, near water-bodies, agricultural fields, and even gardens, but prefer sandy areas. They are also comfortable in urban environments, often seen along roadside trees and wires.

5. Datos de interés
Some intriguing behaviors of Little Green Bee-eaters include a ‘bee-eating’ technique where they kill and dismember their prey before swallowing to neutralize any sting. They are also skilled aerial acrobats, capable of swift turns and twists mid-air to capture flying insects. In Indian mythology, this bird is associated with love, companionship, and beauty.

6. Dieta
Insects form the primary diet of these birds. Despite their name, their diet is not limited to bees but includes wasps, flies, ants, beetles, and dragonflies.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
The behavior is often dictated by their needs for feeding and nesting. These birds are often seen in pairs or small groups. They fly close to the ground in an undulating manner, capable of swift mid-air maneuvering to catch flying prey. Their calls are soft and melodic, often described as a ‘trill’ or a repeated ‘pru pru pru’.

8. Estado de conservación
The IUCN Red List classifies the Little Green Bee-eater as of ‘Least Concern’. Their populations appear stable, and they are not currently threatened by extinction.

9. Vida útil
Little Green Bee-eaters typically have a life span of 7-8 years in the wild, though some can live up to 10 years. In captivity, proper care can extend their lives up to 12 years.

10. Notas adicionales
In some cultures, the Little Green Bee-eater is known as the ‘Small Green Bee-eater’ or simply ‘Green Bee-eater’. They often get along well with humans, quickly adapting to human-dominated landscapes. As insectivores, they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, forming an essential part of ecosystems they inhabit. Yet, they are often attracted to shiny objects, sometimes mistaking litter for prey, which can lead to their harm. Such inter-species interactions and their cultural significances make the Little Green Bee-eater a fascinating creature worthy of our fascination and conservation efforts.