The diet of the Olive Bee-eater, Merops superciliosus, in the Central Highlands of Madagascar

Abstract

Regurgitated pellets from the Olive Bee-eater, Merops superciliosus, were collected below a hunting perch in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and used to examine this species’ food habits. The diet of this species was largely composed of bees (Apidae, genus Apis) and the next most common group was wasps (Vespidae). Remains of soft-bodied ticks (Argasidae) were also identified, presumably associated with the consumption of ectoparasites during preening.