Southern Carmine Bee-eater
NameSouthern Carmine Bee-eater
Common NameSouthern Carmine Bee-eater
Scientific NameMerops nubicoides
FamilyMeropidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)66.5
Plumage DetailsThe body is predominantly brilliant carmine red. It features a black mask extending from the bill through the eye, bordered by a magenta throat. The lower back and rump are a contrasting bright turquoise-blue, and the wings are carmine with darker primary tips. The tail is carmine, with two greatly elongated central tail streamers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive, deep, liquid 'krrk' or 'tunk' call, often given in flight or from a perch. They are quite noisy, especially when in large colonies.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in southern Africa, including countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa. It undertakes seasonal migrations north to equatorial Africa during the non-breeding season.
Identifying FeaturesVibrant carmine red body plumage, Black eye mask, Bright turquoise-blue rump, Long, pointed central tail streamers, Social behavior, often in large flocks
Description
The Southern Carmine Bee-eater is a strikingly vibrant, large bee-eater known for its brilliant carmine-red plumage. These highly social and migratory birds are aerial insectivores, often seen hawking flying insects from perches or in graceful flight over open landscapes.
