Green Bee-eater is the smallest of the bee-eaters to be found in India. It is a resident species in the country, subject to seasonal movements. Its extralimital distribution range includes sub-Saharan Africa, Arabia, South Asia and parts of South-east Asia. There are probably nine different races recognized across the distribution range of the species and M. o. orientalis is the race occurring in India.
Green Bee-eater is predominately green in plumage with some blue coloration to the chin and throat. It has a diagnostic central tail projection. The species, like all bee-eaters, is designed to catch insects in flight. The bird uses open perches like branches of trees, electric wires or vantage points like buildings and boundary walls etc, to launch aerial sorties for catching their prey mid-air. The Green Bee-eater’s diet includes bees, wasps, ants and other flying insects.
Green Bee-eater is a summer breeding visitor to Corbett, arriving during the second half of February and stays in the area till October.