Native Animals

Merops viridis

Blue-throated Bee-eater
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
ver 3.1, 2016
QR Code
SSN 21888
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Taxonomy

Description

Merops viridis or Blue-throated Bee-eater is one of the birds belongs to family Meropidae. It also known as Beberek Leher Biru in Malay. This bird inhabits lowland and mangrove forests, open habitats, marshes, beach scrub, gardens, and even urban areas. 

Different from Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus), Blue-throated Bee-eater has bright chestnut crown and back while the rest of plumage is bright light green, blue on throat and tail with elongated tail feathers. Its size also much smaller and the bright blue patch on its rump is only noticeable only in flight (Strange & Jeyarajasingam, 1993). Although this species seems to be similar to Blue-tailed Bee-eater in some part but it can be distinguished by its chestnut head and back, and lack of rufous on its throat.

The diet of bee-eaters include insects like bees, beetles, moths, butterflies, dragonflies, termites and even small fishes. For preys which have venoms such as bees and other hymenopterans, the Blue-throated Bee-eater has to rub them against a branch to de-sting and de-venom the insects before eating. It also casts pellet after consuming its prey. 

 

Habits

  Part Habit
 
Colony / Group
 
Couple or Pair

Habitats

No Description Suitability Seasonality
1
Artificial - Terrestrial → Arable Land
Suitable Non-breeding
2
Artificial - Terrestrial → Arable Land
Suitable Breeding
3
Artificial - Terrestrial → Pastureland
Suitable Non-breeding
4
Artificial - Terrestrial → Pastureland
Suitable Breeding
5
Artificial - Terrestrial → Rural Gardens
Suitable Non-breeding
6
Artificial - Terrestrial → Rural Gardens
Suitable Breeding
7
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Mangrove Forest Vegetation Above High Tide Level
Suitable Non-breeding
8
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Forest
Suitable Non-breeding
9
Marine Coastal/Supratidal → Coastal Sand Dunes
Suitable Non-breeding
10
Marine Coastal/Supratidal → Coastal Sand Dunes
Suitable Breeding
11
Shrubland → Subtropical/Tropical Dry Shrubland
Suitable Non-breeding
12
Shrubland → Subtropical/Tropical Dry Shrubland
Suitable Breeding
13
Wetlands → Permanent Rivers, Streams, Creeks [includes waterfalls]
Suitable Breeding
14
Wetlands → Permanent Rivers, Streams, Creeks [includes waterfalls]
Suitable Non-breeding
References : http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes/habitats-classification-scheme-ver3

Assessment

Year Published Assessment Red List Category Version
2016 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Least Concern (LC)
3.1
2014 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Least Concern (LC)
3.1

Location

by State Location
  • Johore 2
  • Kedah 2
  • Pahang 1
  • Penang 1
  • Perak 3
  • Terengganu 2
  • Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur 1
  • Federal Territories of Putrajaya 2
Based on publications, specimens, and images

Biodiversity Experts

Profile
Abdul Rahman (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
  • Birds
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Environment
  • Forest
  • Protected Areas
  • Wildlife Trade
  • PM
Azmi Mat Ali (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
  • Birds (Taxonomy)
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife Trade
  • PM
Farah Shafawati Mohd Taib (Dr.)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • Birds
  • Mammals
  • Rodents
  • Treeshrews
  • Squirrels
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Data Analysis
  • Ecosystems
  • Taxonomy
  • PM
Ismail Bin Hj. Mamat (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
  • Birds
  • Biodiversity
  • Protected Areas
  • Invasive Alien Species
  • PM
Meor Amran Bin Meor Zulkifilee (Mr.)
Birdgroup Taman Negara (BGTN)
  • Birds
  • Business
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  • Management
  • Tourism
  • PM
Mohammad Shahfiz Azman (Mr.)
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
  • Amphibians
  • Mammals
  • Birds
  • Amphibians
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  • Awareness
  • Biodiversity
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  • Environment
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  • Like-Minded Megadiverse Countries (LMMC)
  • National Policy on Biological Diversity
  • Policy
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  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
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Mohd Abdul Muin Bin Md Akil (Mr.)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Amphibians
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  • Snakes
  • Biodiversity
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  • Evolution
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Rahmah Binti Ilias (Mrs.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
  • Birds
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  • PM
Rosli Hashim (Prof. Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
  • Birds (Ecology)
  • Mammals (Ecology)
  • Spiders
  • Insects
  • Biodiversity
  • Protected Areas
  • PM
  • W
Rosli Ramli (Assoc. Prof. Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
  • Mammals (Ecology)
  • Birds
  • Biodiversity
  • Digital Sequence Information (DSI)
  • Protected Areas
  • Marine & Coastal
  • PM
  • W
Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli (Dr.)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • Birds (Ecology)
  • Fishes (Ecology)
  • Molluscs (Ecology)
  • Biodiversity
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  • Marine & Coastal
  • Water
Yeap Chin Aik (Mr.)
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)
  • Birds (Ecology)
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  • Education
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  • Traditional Knowledge (TK)
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
PM - Peninsular Malaysia; SBH - Sabah; SWK - Sarawak; SEA - Southeast Asia; W - World;

References

Article
  1. Azman, N.M., Abdul Latip, N.S., Shahrul Anuar, M.S., Mohd Abdul Muin, M.A., Shafie, N.J. & Khairuddin, N.L. (2011). Avian Diversity and Feeding Guilds in a Secondary Forest, an Oil Palm Plantation and a Paddy Field in Riparian Areas of the Kerian River Basin, Perak, Malaysia. Tropical Life Sciences Research (TSLR) 22 (2), 45–64
  2. Jambari, A., Azhar, B., Ibrahim, N.L., Jamian, S., Hussin, A., Chong, L.P., Noor, H.M., Yusof, E. & Zakaria, M. (2012). Avian Biodiversity and Conservation in Malaysian Oil Palm Production Areas. Journal of Oil Palm Research 24, 1277-1286. http://palmoilis.mpob.gov.my/publications/joprv24april2012-Asrul.pdf
  3. Joeman, B.D, G.Hubert, Petol & V., Rudolf (2019). Avifaunal survey of Ulu Kalang Forest Reserve in the district of Tenom, Sabah, Malaysia. Sepilok Bulletin. 28, 69-80
  4. Suis, M.A.F., Miun, J., Tingkoi, L. & Nilus, R. (2019). Inventory of terrestrial mammals and birds in Sungai Pin Conservation Area, Kinabatangan. Sepilok Bulletin. 28, 49-68. http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my/docs/frc/Sepilok%20Bulletin%20Vol%2028%20(2019).pdf
  5. Azman, N.M., Abdul Latip, N.S., Shahrul Anuar, M.S., Mohd Abdul Muin, M.A., Ahmad, A. & Shafie, N.J. (2014). Diversity and Temporal Distribution of Birds in Rice-Growing Landscape, Northern Peninsular Malaysia. Sains Malaysiana 43 (4), 513-520. http://www.ukm.my/jsm
Book
  1. Birds of FRIM, 2003. Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 49.
  2. Birds of Tembeling Hornbill Valley, 2022. Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Malaysia. pp. 75.
  3. MNS Bird Conservation Council. 2015. A Checklist of the Birds of Malaysia Second Edition. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Nature Society - Bird Conservation Council, Malaysia. pp. 60.
  4. Pelan Pengurusan Hidupan Liar Putrajaya, 1998. PERHILITAN & Perbadanan Putrajaya, Malaysia. pp. 100.
  5. Abdul Rahman, A.R., Mohd Nasir, A.H., Mohamed Zin, Y., Richard, A.M. & Latiff, A. (2013). Banjaran Bintang Gunung Inas, Kedah: Pengurusan Hutan, Persekitaran Fizikal dan Kepelbagaian Biologi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 245.
  6. Abdul Rahman, A.R., Mohd Nasir, A.H., Azmi, N., Nor Hasliza, M.B. & Latiff, A. (2014). Hutan Simpan Gunung Tebu, Terengganu: Pengurusan Hutan, Persekitaran Fizikal dan Kepelbagaian Biologi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 343.
  7. Abdul Rahman, A.R., Koh, H.L., Muhamad, A., Wan Yusof, W.K. & Latiff, A. (2011). Hutan Simpan Melaka: Pengurusan Hutan, Persekitaran Fizikal, Kepelbagaian Biologi dan Socio-ekonomi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 315.
  8. Abdullah, N.A.T. & Abdul Aziz, M.A. (2019). Winged Beauties: Birds of Sarawak. Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Malaysia. pp. 196.
  9. Akashah, M., Noordin, N., Kasim, A. & Dzahiri, F. (2012). Bird Map Putrajaya Lake and Wetland: UNECO - IHP Ecohydrology Programme. Perbadanan Putrajaya, Malaysia. pp. 120.
  10. Al Zahri, M. & Norhayati, A. (2022). Burung-burung Malaysia : Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS), Volume 2. Kementerian Tenaga & Sumber Asli, Malaysia. pp. 100. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
  11. Asyraf, M., Mohd Abdul Muin, M.A., Shahrul Anuar, M.S. & Rahmad, Z. (2015). Pictorial Guide To The Plant and Bird Life of Byram Mangrove Forest, Penang. Penerbit USM, Malaysia. pp. 190.
  12. Davison, G.W.H. & Chew, Y. F. (1995). A Photographic Guide to Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. New Holand Ltd. pp. 144.
  13. Francis, C.M. (1998). A Pocket Guide To The Birds of Borneo, Third Edition. The Sabah Society, Malaysia.
  14. Gregory-Smith, R. (1995). The Birds of Sarawak: A Pocket Checklist. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia. pp. 21.
  15. Gumal, M.T., Hon, J. & Kong, D. (2008). Birds and Bats of Loagan Bunut National Park Sarawak, Malaysia, Issue/No. 11. Peat Swamp Forest Project, UNDP/GEF Funded (MAL/99/G31) in collaboration with the Sarawak Forest Department and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Malaysia. pp. 1-105.
  16. Hazebroek, H.P., Adlin, T.Z. & Sinun, W. (2011). Danum Valley: The Rain Forest. Natural History Publications (Borneo), Malaysia. pp. 615.
  17. Ilias, R., Aminurddin Ahmad, M., Yatim, H.S.H., Abu Hashim, A.K., Hassan, H., Othman, A. & Abidin, F.A.Z. (2007). Avifauna: Kuala Gula, Perak: Senarai Spesies. Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Malaysia. pp. 21.
  18. Jamaludin, H., Yatim, H.S.H., Abu Hashim, A.K., Saaban, S., Hassan, H., Othman, A. & Mohd Nor, D.H. (2007). Avifauna: Taman Negara: Senarai Spesies. Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Malaysia. pp. 44.
  19. Jamaludin, H., Yatim, H.S.H., Abu Hashim, A.K., Saaban, S., Hassan, H., Othman, A. & Mohamad Rufino, B.M. (2007). Avifauna: Paya Indah Wetlands: Senarai Spesies. Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Malaysia. pp. 21.
  20. Jeyarajasingam, A., Norhayati, A., Yasser, M.A. & Ilias, R. (2016). Burung-burung Malaysia : Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS). Penerbit UKM, Bangi, Malaysia. pp. 165. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ] — [ | eBook (EPUB) ]
  21. Latiff, A. (2010). Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve: Green Lung of Kuala Lumpur. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 100.
  22. Maimon, A. (2008). Biodiversity of Sungai Pulai: Ramsar Site, Johor. Earth Observation Centre, Malaysia. pp. 97.
  23. Myers, S. (2009). A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo. Simon Papps, Singapore. pp. 272.
  24. Nee, T. A. & Norhayati, N. (2018). Compendium of Facts and Figures. 3rd Edition, Volume 3. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. pp. 174.
  25. Omar, R. (2018). Birds of the Forests of Peninsular Malaysia: A Photographic Guide. Strategic Information and Research Development Centre, Malaysia. pp. 351.
  26. Praveena, B.K. & Maria Arlene, J.A.S. (2013). Compendium of Facts and Figures. 2nd Edition. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. pp. 161.
  27. Rajendran, S. & Jeyarajasingam, A. (2021). Malaysian Birds - A Glimpse. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Malaysia. pp. 1-335.
  28. Rosla, M. (2014). Burung-burung di Semenanjung Malaysia: Hak Milik Kita yang Terlepas Pandang, Volume 1. Red Door To Hunt, Malaysia. pp. 369.
  29. Chan, K.S & See, C.M (2020). Coastal Mangrove Birds of Bagan Datuk, Perak. Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. pp. 80.
  30. Shaharuddin, M.I., Mokhtar, M.I., Wan Yusof, W.A., M. Rahim, R. & Latiff, A. (2004). Taman Negeri Endau Rompin : Pengurusan, Persekitaran Fizikal dan Biologi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 378.
  31. Suhaila, A.H. & Nik Ahmad Irwan Izzauddin, N. H. (2014). Biodiversity of Gunung Ledang Mountaineering The Nature. School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Johor National Parks Corporation, Malaysia. pp. 165.
Chapter in book
  1. Inventori Hidupan Liar di Putrajaya. In Pelan Pengurusan Hidupan Liar Putrajaya. PERHILITAN & Perbadanan Putrajaya. pp. 1-52.
Unpublish
  1. Checklist of Biodiversity of Setiu (2019)

Acknowledgements :- Mr. Abdul Razak Mohd Nor Rasid, Mr. Ahmad Amir Firdaus Bin Mad Apandi, Ms. Aida Salihah Binti Abu Bakar, Ms. Ajla Rafidah Baharom, Mr. Allen Jeyarajasingam, Mrs. Aziemah Binti Kinan, Mr. Badrul Amin Bin Jaffar, Ms. Fatin Farisha Binti Mohd Jamil, Ms. Mira Farzana Binti Mohamad Mokhtar, Ms. Norayuni Binti Ramlee, Ms. Norazah Binti Norddin, Mrs. Nur Hazwanie Binti Abd Halim, Ms. Nurfadzilah Bt Azmi, Ms. Nurfarhana Hizan Binti Hijas, Ms. Nursyafiqa Madzlen, Ms. Nurul Atikah Abu Bakar, Ms. Siti Zubaidah Binti Abdul Latif, Mr. Tan Kok Kiat & Mr. Yasser Mohamed Arifin

Photo credit :- Koay Zhong Ying, Mohd Suhaimi Bin Mohd Yusof, Norhayati Binti Ahmad, Yasser Arifin & uzair ar

Species Citation :- Merops viridis. Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS). Accessed via https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/21888. [Retrieved 20 March 2023].

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Website Citation: MyBIS (2023). Malaysia Biodiversity Information System. Published on the Internet https://www.mybis.gov.my/, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Malaysia Biodiversity Centre & Forest Research Institute Malaysia. [Retrieved 20 March 2023].