Merops pusillus
Little Bee-eater
The smallest African bee-eater at 15-17 cm, with green upperparts, a yellow throat bordered by a black gorget, and a rich brown breast fading to buffish ochre on the belly. Common in open, bushy country and near watercourses across The Gambia.
Identification
Small size and black gorget separate it from larger bee-eaters such as Blue-cheeked or European Bee-eater; note the buffy underside of the tail.
Want to see the Little Bee-eater?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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