Green bee-eater

Green Bee-eater, I took this photo near the Matthur lake.

Green Bee-eaters are very common around the Shimoga district, and are relatively easy to spot. They can be seen easily on the electric wires beside the roads, frequently flying out to catch some insects and returning to their seats. I have seen them in the roads going back along the Tunga river, channels for the river as well as near the bridges, mainly in the evening. One of the behaviours of these birds which make them easy to sight is that they prefer to stay close to the ground - electirc wires are pretty much the highest point you will see them. And it is not uncommon to see them close to water sources, like the Tunga channels.

These are mainly insect-eaters, and can be seen in groups. Sighting an individual bird is also not rare. 
Scientific name for this bird if Merops orientalis.