European Bee-eater

About

The European Bee-eater is a strikingly colorful migratory bird known for its vibrant plumage, distinctive calls, and aerial hunting of insects, particularly bees and wasps. It is a highly social species, often nesting in colonies in sandy banks.

Size & lifespan

Length

27-29 cm (including 2-3 cm central tail streamers)

Wingspan

36-40 cm

Weight

44-78 g

Lifespan

Typically 5-6 years in the wild, up to 10 years recorded.

Diet

Insectivore, primarily feeding on large flying insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, dragonflies, and butterflies.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have a rich chestnut crown and mantle, fading to yellow on the upper back. The rump is golden-yellow, and the tail is greenish-blue with elongated central tail streamers. The wings are a mix of chestnut, green, and blue. The throat is bright yellow, bordered by a narrow black band, and the breast and belly are turquoise-blue. A prominent black eye-stripe extends from the beak to behind the eye.

Beak shape

Long, slender, decurved (downcurved) black beak, adapted for catching insects in flight.

Eye color

Bright red iris.

Leg color

Dull reddish-brown to greyish-brown.

Distinguishing features

Vibrant multi-colored plumage (chestnut, yellow, blue, green), long decurved black bill, black eye-stripe, yellow throat, and elongated central tail feathers (in adults).

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller overall, lacking the rich chestnut and yellow tones of adults. Their crown and mantle are greenish, and the yellow throat is less vibrant, often lacking the distinct black border. The central tail streamers are absent or very short. The eye-stripe is less defined.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Breeding and non-breeding plumages are essentially the same, though plumage may appear slightly worn by the end of the breeding season.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are largely similar in plumage. Males typically have slightly longer central tail streamers and often more intense chestnut coloration on the crown and mantle, but these differences are subtle and not reliable for field identification.

How to identify

1. 1

   Plumage Coloration

   Look for the unique combination of rich chestnut on the crown and mantle, golden-yellow rump, bright yellow throat bordered by black, and turquoise-blue underparts. The black eye-stripe is also a key feature.

2. 2

   Flight and Silhouette

   Observe its graceful, undulating flight pattern with stiff wings and its long, slender, slightly decurved bill. In flight, the elongated central tail streamers are often visible.

3. 3

   Vocalization

   Listen for its distinctive, liquid, rolling 'prruup' call, often given repeatedly in flight or from a perch. This call is highly characteristic and often heard before the bird is seen.

4. 4

   Habitat and Behavior

   Look for them in open areas with sandy banks, often perching conspicuously on wires or branches, sallying out to catch insects. Their colonial nesting behavior is also a strong indicator.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, agricultural areas, river valleys, and coastal dunes.

Geographic range

Breeds across southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India.

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to 1,500 meters, occasionally higher in some parts of its range.

Preferred environments

Requires open country with scattered trees or shrubs for perching, and sandy or loess banks (e.g., riverbanks, quarries, road cuttings) for nesting.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Primarily aerial insectivores. They perch on prominent branches or wires, sallying out to catch flying insects in mid-air. They often return to the same perch to consume their prey. Before swallowing, they typically bash stinging insects (bees, wasps) against their perch to remove the sting and venom.

Social behavior

Highly social, especially during the breeding season. They breed in colonies, sometimes numbering hundreds of pairs. Outside the breeding season, they form large communal roosts and migrate in flocks.

Flight pattern

Graceful and agile flight, often gliding on stiff wings interspersed with rapid wing beats. They are highly maneuverable in pursuit of insects.

Migration pattern

Long-distance migratory species. European populations migrate south to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter, typically departing in August-September and returning in April-May. Asian populations winter in India and parts of the Middle East.

Territoriality

While they nest colonially, individual pairs defend a small territory around their nest burrow. Feeding territories are not strictly defended, and they often forage communally.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

May to July in Europe, varying slightly with latitude.

Nesting habits

Colonial nesters. They excavate long tunnels (1-3 meters deep) in vertical sandy or loess banks, often in riverbanks, quarries, or road cuttings. Both sexes participate in digging the burrow.

Clutch size

4-7 eggs, typically 5-6.

Egg description

Spherical, glossy white eggs. No markings.

Incubation period

Approximately 20-22 days, shared by both parents.

Fledging period

25-30 days after hatching. Young are fed by both parents and often by 'helpers' (non-breeding adults, often offspring from previous years) within the colony.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Helpers often assist in feeding the young, increasing breeding success.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for their calls. Their distinctive 'prruup' call is often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are flying high overhead.
2. Scan prominent perches. Bee-eaters often perch conspicuously on exposed branches, power lines, or fences, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
3. Visit nesting colonies. During the breeding season, locating a nesting colony (often in sandy banks) offers guaranteed sightings and opportunities to observe their social behavior. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbance.
4. Look for aerial foraging. Observe their graceful, agile flight as they sally out from a perch to catch insects in mid-air, often returning to the same perch.

Similar species

Quick facts

Primary Diet:

Bees and Wasps

Nesting Type:

Colonial burrow nesters

Migration Status:

Long-distance migrant

Distinctive Call:

Liquid, rolling 'prruup'

Key Feature:

Vibrant multi-colored plumage

Fun facts

• European Bee-eaters are highly skilled at handling stinging insects. They repeatedly bash bees and wasps against a perch to remove the sting and venom before consumption.
• They are one of the few bird species known to engage in cooperative breeding, where non-breeding individuals (often offspring from previous years) help raise the young of other pairs in the colony.
• Their scientific name 'Merops apiaster' literally means 'bee-eater' (Merops) and 'bee-lover' (apiaster), reflecting their specialized diet.
• Despite their name, bees and wasps typically make up only a portion of their diet, with other large insects like dragonflies and butterflies also being significant prey items.
• The European Bee-eater is considered an indicator species for healthy insect populations and suitable nesting habitats.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Coraciiformes

Family

Meropidae

Genus

Merops

Species

Merops apiaster

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