A pair of Rainbow Bee-eaters (Merops ornatus) perch on a slender branch in the tropical woodlands of North Queensland. Their vibrant green plumage, golden-brown crowns and distinctive black eye-stripes make them one of Australia's most colourful and recognisable bird species. The birds' elegant curved bills and elongated central tail feathers are perfectly adapted to their aerial lifestyle, while their alert posture suggests they are scanning the surrounding landscape for flying insects. The soft, blurred background draws attention to the striking colours and delicate features that have made Rainbow Bee-eaters a favourite subject for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

Rainbow Bee-eaters are the only true bee-eaters found in Australia and are renowned for their remarkable aerial hunting skills. They feed primarily on bees, wasps, dragonflies and other flying insects, often catching prey in mid-air before returning to a perch. Found throughout much of Australia during the warmer months, they migrate seasonally and are common across North Queensland's forests, woodlands and coastal habitats. This image captures the beauty, agility and social nature of one of Australia's most charismatic native birds.