European Bee-eater
Merops apiaster
The adult European Bee-eater is a colourful aerial hunter of warm open habitats, woodland edges, farmland, and river valleys across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It catches bees, wasps, hornets, dragonflies, and other insects in flight, then often beats stinging prey against a perch to discharge venom and remove the sting. Adults nest in tunnels dug into sandy banks or flat ground, returning to colonies during the breeding season. Its long pointed wings and quick turns make it especially well adapted for mid-air hunting.
- Type
- Wing
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
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- European Bee-eater Fledgling
- European Bee-eater