The European bee-eater, nicknamed African hunter

European bee-eater

Scientific name: Merops apiaster

Family: Meropides

Length: 27 to 30 cm, Wingspan: 44 to 49 cm

Description

The European bee-eater is a remarkable hunter known for its ability to catch insects mid-flight, including wasps, bees, hornets, and dragonflies, particularly in the Camargue region. Similar in size to a thrush, this bird can be identified by its distinctive rolled calls, which are audible even when it is scarcely visible in the sky. Its vibrant plumage features a turquoise blue-green belly, a chest, and lower wing areas, combined with a brown-red back, cap, and upper wings. The tail is dark green, and it has a slightly curved black beak that appears extended by black feathering. The eyes have a striking red iris surrounded by a black circle, and a yellow bib bordered by black adds to its unique appearance.

Habitat and social behavior

The European bee-eater enjoys communal living, often hunting and migrating in groups. It favors sandy riverbanks, steep cliffs, and old sand and gravel pits where it excavates burrows for nesting. These birds are commonly seen perched on branches, utility wires, or poles alongside their peers.

Feeding habits

This species primarily feeds on Hymenoptera, including wasps, bees, hornets, and bumblebees, which make up the bulk of its diet. It also consumes cicadas, dragonflies, butterflies, various bugs, locusts, grasshoppers, beetles (including cockroaches), and flies.

Nesting

European bee-eaters typically nest in colonies within sandy banks, creating tunnels that can reach depths of up to 2 meters. Their breeding season runs from May to August, during which the female lays 5 to 7 eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs for about three weeks, and once hatched, the young remain in the nest for three to four weeks before fledging.