Little Bee-eater

Merops pusillus

Other Names

    Guêpier nain   Zwergspint   Abejaruco Chico   Dvärgbiätare   Kleine bijeneter   Gruccione pettocannella minore

World: One of the most abundant of the African bee-eaters, it can be found widely south of 15°N except in the drier areas of s Somalia and in the lowland forests in the Congo basin.

Kenya: A common bird of open country with scattered trees and bushes. It can be found throughout much of Kenya although it is scarce in the arid NE of the country and around Lake Turkana.

This is the smallest of Kenya's bee-eaters, having an average length of about 6" (160mm). It is generally seen in pairs or small family groups. Both the Blue-breasted and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater are similar to look at and can be easily confused. However, the Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater is not only larger it also occupies a different habitat, while the Blue-breasted Bee-eater has dark purple throat patch and a very limited distribution in the Lake Victoria basin.