The blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a slender, primarily green bird, easily recognised by its blue tail and a distinctive black stripe near the eye, bordered by a narrow patch of blue. This species arrives in Sri Lanka from India to nest around September, spreading across the island while avoiding dense forests. They are often seen in small flocks, perched atop tall trees near water bodies, which offer a vantage point for spotting airborne prey such as bees, wasps, and flies. During the breeding season, they excavate nest burrows in sandy or sandy clay loam embankments devoid of dense vegetation. In Oluvil, Ampara District, they have also been observed burrowing into artificial coastal sand dunes. At the conclusion of the breeding season in May, the blue-tailed bee-eater migrates back to its homeland.