Breeding and foraging ecology of nesting blue tailed bee-eater, Merops philippinus in Kannur district, Kerala, India

Authors :

Sreedhina S, Smija MK, Muhamed Jafer Palot, Joseph J Erinjery, Sruthi R, Prasadan P K

 Abstract:

Blue tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a colony breeding, summer migrant species that excavates nest burrows and forages mainly on airborne insects. We assessed breeding and foraging ecology of blue tailed bee-eater colonies by analysing food remains from pellets and through direct observation. The blue tailed bee-eaters established their breeding colonies in sandy and sandy clay loam having thin vegetation and breeding took place during the rainy season (May to August). They preyed on a wide range of species of insects with more than 90?longing to Odonata and Coleoptera. Orthopterans were the least exploited prey items. Significant variations in prey consumption between months were also noticed. Odonates and lepidopterans were consumed more in July and August. Consumption of all other prey categories was constant in both months. It is concluded that the blue tailed bee-eater may play an important role in this ecosystem as it can enhance biodiversity through its burrowing and nesting activity and its potential regulation of insect population.