The Merops apiaster, commonly known as the European bee-eater, is a bird belonging to the Meropidae family. This near passerine species breeds in certain parts of north Africa, western Asia, and southern Europe. During winter, it migrates to tropical Africa. Although it normally breeds in these regions, it can also be found occasionally breeding in northwest Europe when it moves northwards during spring.
The European Bee-eater is a visually appealing bird variety that can be found in several regions including Europe, Asia, and North Africa. These birds have an appropriate name as they primarily feed on bees, wasps, and other flying insects. Their striking appearance is characterized by a mix of vivid greens, blues, yellows, and chestnut browns in their plumage.
The European Bee-eater is a stunning bird species that can be found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The fascinating thing about these birds is that they feed mainly on bees, wasps, and other flying insects, which is why they are named as such. Their feathers boast a dazzling array of greens, blues, yellows, and chestnut browns, making them truly eye-catching creatures.
The European Bee-eater is a sociable bird that tends to nest in colonies and form breeding pairs. Typically, they make their homes by digging burrows in sandbanks or cliffs. During the breeding season, males display grand courtship methods to attract females. These displays include aerial acrobatics and gift-giving. With a high-pitched, trilling whistle, they have a distinctive call.
Their hunting behavior is remarkable as they catch insects on the wing. They fly from a perch and capture their prey mid-air, then return to their perch to remove the stinger before consuming it. The European Bee-eater’s long, pointed bills are specialized for catching flying insects, thereby making their hunting tasks easier.
The European Bee-eaters are birds that fly to Africa during winter and can be spotted in huge numbers. Sadly, their numbers have been decreasing due to various reasons such as loss of habitat, use of pesticides, and hunting. However, people are taking steps to preserve their habitats and spread knowledge about their significance in the ecosystem.
