A nomadic and locally migratory bee-eater of rainforests, savannas, rivers, and glades, where it can be seen flying high overhead or perched high in trees. Distinctive, with long triangular wings, rosy pink underparts, a black eye-line, a clean white moustache, and evenly gray upperparts. Voice is similar to those of other bee-eaters, including hoarse “tik” and “trrp” calls. Nests in sandy riverbanks and sandbars, where colonies can comprise over 20,000 pairs.