"The striking morphological distinctness of members of each of the three groups, with no evidence of intergradation and with the most distinct taxa (cyanophrys and muscatensis) interposed between the other two groups, argues for a three-way split (as noted by e.g. Fry 2001). Therefore the polytypic group Green Bee-eater (Yellow-throated) Merops orientalis [viridissimus Group] becomes African Green Bee-eater Merops viridissimus, with subspecies viridissimus, flavoviridis, and cleopatra; the polytypic group Green Bee-eater (Arabian) Merops orientalis cyanophrys/najdanus becomes Arabian Green Bee-eater Merops cyanophrys, with subspecies cyanophrys and muscatensis; and the polytypic group Green Bee-eater (Russet-crowned) Merops orientalis [orientalis Group] becomes Asian Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis, with subspecies beludschicus, orientalis, ceylonicus, and ferrugeiceps."