European Bee-eater
NameEuropean Bee-eater
Common NameEuropean Bee-eater
Scientific NameMerops apiaster
FamilyMeropidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsFeatures a bright yellow throat, a black eye-stripe, a chestnut crown and mantle, and a turquoise-green belly and wings. The rump is yellow, and the tail is greenish-blue with elongated central tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, liquid, rolling 'prruup' or 'prrr-prrr' call, often given in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, grassland, river valleys, cliffs, sandy banks, orchards, vineyards
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India for the winter.
Identifying Featuresvibrant multi-colored plumage, long, slender, decurved black beak, black eye-stripe, bright yellow throat, chestnut crown and mantle, turquoise-green underparts, elongated central tail feathers
Description
The European Bee-eater is a strikingly colorful migratory bird known for its vibrant plumage and graceful flight. They are highly social, often nesting in colonies in sandy banks and feeding on flying insects caught in mid-air.
