Adult © Markus Craig
Adult © Paul Chapman
Adult © Pavel Štěpánek
Immature © John Drummond
+ 4
Juvenile © Frédéric PELSY
Adult © Francisco Fernandes
Adult © Vladan Vuckovic

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Spectacularly colorful and unmistakable long-billed insect-eater with a bright yellow throat, gemstone-blue belly, and flame-colored back. Found in open and semiopen country, mainly in drier areas; nests colonially in burrows dug into sand banks, often river banks. Usually seen perched on wires or circling in swallowlike flight, often in small groups; feeds by catching insects (especially bees) on the wing. Quite vocal, often giving distinctive pipping calls.

POWERED BY MERLIN