European Bee-eater
NameEuropean Bee-eater
Common NameEuropean Bee-eater
Scientific NameMerops apiaster
FamilyMeropidae
Wingspan (cm)36
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsFeatures a bright yellow throat, a black eye-stripe, a chestnut crown and back, green wings, and a turquoise-blue belly. The rump is yellow, and the tail has elongated central feathers.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, liquid, rolling 'prruup' or 'prreeu' call, often given in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, scrubland, river valleys, orchards, vineyards, sandy banks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa and India for the winter.
Identifying Featuresvibrant multi-colored plumage, long, slender, downcurved black beak, black eye-stripe, bright yellow throat, elongated central tail feathers
Description
The European Bee-eater is a strikingly colorful migratory bird known for its vibrant plumage and aerial hunting skills. It primarily feeds on flying insects, often catching them mid-air and returning to a perch to consume them.
