Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus), which resembles the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merop spersicusis), is probably the most vibrant among the bee-eaters found in India. Years ago, we first saw this bird, perched on a bare branch on the edge of a mangrove forest in a coastal area of West Bengal. It was great to see them fly and again glide down swiftly, mostly with a catch, on the same perch. Since then, we are in love with this fascinating beauty. Portrait of a flying bl