MADAGASCAR BEE-EATER

Also known as Olive Bee-eater
 previously considered a sub-species of Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

(Merops superciliosus or previously
 Merops superciliosus superciliosus)

A medium to large bird (27 to 30 cm), found in Africa and Madagascar. It is a common breeding or non breeding migrant (three populations) found in the extreme north and eastern parts of southern Africa. It is gregarious and inhabits riverine woodland. It eats insects (mainly bees).

 

List of Stamps showing Madagascar Bee-eater
Country	SG	Michel	Year	Value
Comoro	0065	0084	1967	100f
Comoro	0272	0378	1978	20f
Comoro	0338	0522	1979	75f
Comoro	0341	0540	1979	50f/20f
Comoro	0434		1981	60f/75f
The above stamps are included in the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater in CBOS 5.  It would appear that the Blue-cheeked and the Madagascar (or Olive), were previously considered one species, and some scientific opinion still appears to support this view. However, according to Fry, Fry and Harris in "Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers", the Madagascar Bee-eater is the only bee-eater in the Malagasy region (which includes the Comores).  I have therefore changed the classification of these stamps to the Olive Bee-eater.