How Many Species of Bee-eater Are There in Singapore?

Few birds stop me in my tracks quite like a bee-eater. Their colours glow in good light, their flight is fast and fluid, and the moment they return to a perch with an insect in their bill is pure photographic magic.

Despite Singapore’s small size, we are fortunate to host two species of bee-eaters—some seen year-round, others only during migration, and one that is truly special if you are lucky enough to encounter it.

So, how many species of bee-eater are there in Singapore?

👉 Two species.

Bee-eaters in Singapore: A Photographer’s Overview

Bee-eaters belong to the family Meropidae and are among the most photogenic birds in Singapore. They favour open habitats—coastal edges, reservoirs, grasslands, and even urban parks—often choosing exposed perches that make them a joy to photograph.

In Singapore, two species.

1. Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus)

Status: Common resident and migrant

This is the bee-eater most photographers cut their teeth on in Singapore. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is widespread, approachable, and often seen hunting insects in open areas before returning to the same perch—perfect behaviour for photography.

In good light, the greens and blues are subtle yet elegant, and when breeding season comes around, their colonial nesting sites offer endless opportunities for behavioural shots.

Where I often photograph them:

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Changi and coastal grasslands Open fields and reclaimed land

2. Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis)

Status: Common resident

If colour is what you’re after, the Blue-throated Bee-eater rarely disappoints. Its electric blue throat and rich chestnut head stand out beautifully against clean backgrounds.

I often find this species more tolerant of human presence, especially in parks and gardens, making it a favourite for close, frame-filling portraits.

Photography tips:

Look for them perched along park connectors Early morning light brings out the blue throat best

Species Status in Singapore

Blue-tailed Bee-eater : Common resident & migrant

Blue-throated Bee-eater. Common resident

Why Bee-eaters Matter to Me as a Photographer

Bee-eaters are more than just colourful subjects. They are indicators of healthy open habitats and thriving insect populations. Watching them hunt, interact, and raise young reminds me why protecting green spaces—even in a dense city like Singapore—is so important.

From dramatic mid-air catches to quiet moments on a perch, bee-eaters offer endless photographic stories.

Final Answer: How Many Species of Bee-eater Are There in Singapore?

👉 There are two species of bee-eaters in Singapore.

Whether you are a birder, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys watching wildlife, bee-eaters are among the most rewarding birds you can encounter here—vibrant, dynamic, and uniquely tropical.

How many species of bee-eaters in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand ?