BEE-EATERS OF THE WORLD

Bee-eaters of the World

Bee-eaters occur widelytaxi radios in Asia (eg. Sri-Lanka), Africa (eg. Botswana and South Africa) as well as a few in Southern Europe (eg. Spain). They have brightly coloured plumage, thin bodies, mostly long tail feathers and down-turned bills.

The diet includes bees & wasps when they can remove the sting by beating the insect. They also like dragonflies as illustrated in some pictures.

Bee-eaters build their nest in burrows, usually in sandy banks and form colonies. Most are monogamous and both parents care for their young.

The European Bee-eater breeds in Southern Europe and winters in Tropical Africa. They have attempted to breed in the UK but unfortunately with very limited success.