The species in Australia and often heard and seen above the tropical rainforest canopy is the 'Rainbow Bee-eater' Merops ornatus, (right), a gorgeous bird of green, blue, rufous, and cream with black eye streaks and two small tail shafts. They head down south to breed in the summer, and are thus more common in the tropical north in the dry season when they can be seen on the banks of the upper Daintree river, and in various open areas often perched on dead trees or wires.
Script: Courtesy of  Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide

Additional Information: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey

Bee-eaters

'Bee-eaters' are small, fast, thin-beaked and often beautifully colourful birds found in Africa, Asia and Australia. Their common name is due to the fact that they swoop after insects such as wasps and bees, and actually removing the sting before gobbling them up.
Script: Courtesy of  Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide

Additional Rainbow Bee-Eater Photos