The Asian green bee-eater (Merops orientalis) is the smallest of Sri Lanka’s four bee-eater species, distinguished by its vibrant green plumage and striking blue throat. Two subspecies may be observed in Sri Lanka: M. o. orientalis, with rufous colouration on the head and neck, and M. o. ceylonicus, which has a golden brown sheen on the nape. They are typically seen in pairs, inhabiting cultivated areas and open forest spaces, often perched atop thorny bushes, low-lying scrub, or roadside electrical wires in urban settings. These elevated perches provide an advantage when foraging, as the bee-eater primarily feeds on flies, small beetles, bees, and wasps. During the breeding season the Asian green bee-eater digs a burrow, approximately 2 to 4 feet deep, into a sandy embankment or level ground to create its nest, where it typically lays 3 to 5 eggs. After an incubation period of approximately 14 days, the eggs hatch asynchronously.