European Bee-Eater
Merops apiaster
Aves › Coraciiformes › Meropidae › Merops
Conservation status: least_concern
The European Bee-eater is a strikingly colorful bird with a turquoise underside, golden-yellow throat, and chestnut back that make it unmistakable in flight across open landscapes. True to its name, it catches bees and other flying insects mid-air with impressive aerial agility, often seen perched on wires or branches while scanning for prey.
How To Identify
Medium-sized with striking plumage featuring slate-blue backs, pale creamy underbellums, and distinct black striping around the head.
Habitat
The European Bee-Eater lives in sandy riverbanks and open country with scattered trees.
Behaviour
The European Bee-Eater is a colourful, colonial nester found in sandy slopes that makes a liquid call.
Native Range
The European Bee-Eater is native to southern and central Europe, northern and southern Africa, and western Asia.
Did You Know?
Catches bees and wasps in mid-air, then beats them against a branch to squeeze out the venom.
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