Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernBlue-tailed Bee-eater at a glance
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a bird in the family Meropidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. Diet: eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Merops philippinus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kirik-kirik laut |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java |
| Taxonomic group | Coraciiformes |
| GBIF records | 6,241 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore) · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (12)
What is the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?
Blue-tailed Bee-eater refers to Merops philippinus, in the genus Merops, family Meropidae, and order Coraciiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?
The blue-tailed bee-eater catches flying insects, and some populations move seasonally; a dated record is more informative than an undated sighting.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 6,241 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Blue-tailed Bee-eater with Rainbow Bee-eater, Cerulean Kingfisher, Dollarbird. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | Merops philippinus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Blue-tailed Bee-eater
What is the scientific name of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?
The scientific name of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater is Merops philippinus, in the family Meropidae and the order Coraciiformes. In Indonesian it is called Kirik-kirik laut.
What kind of animal is the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a bird in the family Meropidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore).
Where does the Blue-tailed Bee-eater live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Blue-tailed Bee-eater eat?
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Blue-tailed Bee-eater reproduce?
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Blue-tailed Bee-eater nocturnal?
The cited source records the Blue-tailed Bee-eater as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?
Scientific classification of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Coraciiformes, family Meropidae, genus Merops, species Merops philippinus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Blue-tailed Bee-eater endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Blue-tailed Bee-eater is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/merops-philippinus/