European Bee-eater
Merops apiaster
Visual Identification
Appearance
Roughly the same size as a Starling, the European Bee-eater is a strikingly colourful bird with a slender body. Its back and wings are chestnut and gold, contrasting with a turquoise belly and throat. The face is marked with a black eye stripe and yellow cheeks.
Both sexes are similar, though males may have slightly brighter plumage. Juveniles are duller, with a green-tinged back and lack adults' elongated central tail feathers.
Size
Length
27cm to 29cm
Wingspan
44cm to 49cm
Weight
45g to 80g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Blue Yellow Green
Secondary Colour
Brown Red
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
European Bee-eaters inhabit open country, preferring areas with scattered trees, riverbanks, and sandy cliffs for nesting. They breed across southern Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia.
During winter, they migrate to tropical Africa. They are rare but increasing summer visitors in the UK, with occasional breeding attempts in southern England.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,400 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a European Bee-eater. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
European Bee-eaters display remarkable agility, performing acrobatic aerial displays to catch insects mid-flight. Their excellent eyesight and ability to spot bees from 60 metres away further enhance their agile hunting prowess.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not particularly strong for their size, European Bee-eaters possess enough strength to excavate long tunnels in sandy banks for nesting. Their slender build suggests moderate strength relative to other birds of similar size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds demonstrate high adaptability, inhabiting various open habitats across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Their ability to migrate long distances (up to 10,000 kilometres annually) and adjust to different environments showcases their adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
European Bee-eaters are generally non-aggressive, preferring to live in social groups. They're not known for territorial disputes, though they may display mild aggression when defending nesting sites or competing for mates.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The long-distance migration of European Bee-eaters, flying thousands of kilometres between Europe and Africa, indicates impressive endurance. Their ability to sustain flight while hunting insects also suggests high stamina levels.
Diet
As their name suggests, European Bee-eaters primarily feed on flying insects, especially bees and wasps. They catch prey in flight and return to a perch to remove the sting before eating. Their diet also includes dragonflies, butterflies, and other large insects.
Behaviour
European Bee-eaters are highly social, often seen perching in groups on wires or bare branches. When hunting, they perform acrobatic aerial displays, catching insects mid-flight with remarkable agility. During courtship, males offer females insects as gifts, strengthening pair bonds.
Vocalisation
The European Bee-eater's call is a distinctive, mellow 'pruik' or 'prruup'. This sound is often heard as the birds fly overhead or perch in groups. During courtship and pair bonding, they produce a soft, purring trill that sounds like 'prr-r-r-r-r'.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from May to July, with pairs often nesting in small colonies. European Bee-eaters are monogamous and engage in elaborate courtship displays.
They excavate long tunnels in sandy banks or cliffs, creating a nesting chamber at the end. The female lays 4-7 glossy white eggs in the bare chamber.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 20 days. Chicks fledge after 30-31 days but continue to be fed by parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, European Bee-eaters face threats from habitat loss and pesticide use. Climate change may affect their migration patterns and breeding success. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and reducing pesticide use in their habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in open country near rivers or sandy banks
- Listen for their distinctive, bubbling 'prru-prru' call
- Watch for their colourful plumage catching sunlight as they swoop for insects
- In the UK, check coastal areas during spring and autumn migration
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include birds of prey such as falcons and hawks, as well as snakes that can access their nesting tunnels.
Did You Know?
- European Bee-eaters can catch and eat venomous insects without being stung.
- They have excellent eyesight, capable of spotting a bee from 60 meters away.
- Some individuals migrate up to 10,000 kilometres annually between Europe and Africa.
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Merops apiaster (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22683756A155512816.
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