Bee-eaters are brightly-coloured, insectivorous, birds in the family Meropidae. There are 9 species in South Africa.
Facts:
Bee-eaters are identified by their bright colours.
Length varies between 25 – 29 cms, with a weight of 44 -78 grammes.
They catch their prey in mid-air with speeds of up to 48 km/h.
Bee-eaters are insectivores, feeding on insects such as, mainly bees, but also crickets, mealworms, butterflies, termites, moths, grasshoppers, wasps, dragonflies, and many other insects.
Males and females look similar. Most of the Bee-eater species are monogamous, meaning they mate for life, unless one dies, then they will select another mate. Bee-eaters assist each other during breeding, co-caring for the nestlings. Colonies consist of breeding adults and non-breeding adults, where the non-breeders will take up the role as the helpers in the family.
They recognize each other, from parents to siblings, and even nesting neighbours. They live in large colonies where they will migrate together, during the months before the breeding season. Bee-eaters have co-operative behaviour towards each other, improving on the survival of nestlings.
Bee-eaters are named after the different colours of their feathers. They dig tunnels in sand, and will choose open nesting sites, which means they will have more insect foraging opportunities on the ground. These birds enjoy sunbathing as well as sand/dust bathing as shown in the picture above, this will help with ectoparasites.
Threats:
- Rodents affecting their nests, birds of prey, such as owls, eagles, and hawks.
- Climate changes causing habitat loss.
- The main reason for population decline includes pesticides.
- The IUCN categorises these species as ‘least concern’.
Southern Carmine bee-eater.
~Merops nubicoides~
The largest of all the African Bee-eaters.
Call sound; ‘gra-gra-gra.’
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater.
~Merops hirundineus~
The largest of all the African Bee-eaters.
Call sound; A quiet ‘chirrup’.
European bee-eater.
~Merops apiaster~
The largest of all the African Bee-eaters.
Call sound; Vocal ‘pipping’ calls’
White-fronted bee-eater.
~Merops bullockoides~
Complex society living groups.
Call sound; ‘ngyaaau’.’
Facts researched on the Internet, words by Christine Wagner, pictures courtesy Viv Newell.