ExploreBirds

European Bee-eater

Merops apiaster

The European Bee-eater is a colorful bird known for its beautiful feathers and cheerful songs. It loves to catch bees and other insects in mid-air, making it a fun bird to watch!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The European Bee-eater has a stunning blend of colors, including a bright yellow throat, chestnut crown, blue-green belly, and green wings. A prominent black eye-stripe and a long, slender, downcurved bill are distinct features.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCoraciiformesFamilyMeropidaeGenusMerops
European Bee-eater
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeaerial trait badgesinging trait badge
European Bee-eater

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Bee-eaters are aptly named; they can eat hundreds of bees in a single day!

European Bee-eaters often call to each other with a distinctive 'pruup' sound while flying.

These social birds often nest in large colonies, sometimes numbering hundreds of pairs.

They are excellent long-distance flyers, migrating thousands of kilometers each year.

Special abilities

Ability

Sting Scrubber

European Bee-eaters can rub venomous insects on a branch to safely remove their sting, making them harmless to eat.

Ability

Aerial Acrobat

European Bee-eaters have incredibly agile flight, allowing them to catch fast-moving insects mid-air with ease.

Ability

Burrow Builder

European Bee-eaters can dig long tunnels in sandy banks, creating safe, cool nests for their eggs and chicks.

Measurements & details

Length
27-29 cm
Wingspan
36-40 cm
Weight
0.044-0.066 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
20-22 days
Migration Distance
10000 km

Diet & Feeding

These colourful birds are expert insect hunters, primarily feasting on bees, wasps, and other flying insects.

Primary Foods

  • Bees
  • Wasps
  • Dragonflies
  • Butterflies
  • Hornets
  • Cicadas

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

A primary food source during breeding season.

hunts

Common Wasp

Vespula vulgaris

Often caught and consumed after sting removal.

eaten by

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

A common aerial predator of adults and juveniles.

parasitizes

Great Spotted Cuckoo

Clamator glandarius

Lays eggs in bee-eater nests for host parenting.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is European Bee-eater?

27-29 cm

What is European Bee-eater's wingspan?

36-40 cm

How much does European Bee-eater weigh?

0.044-0.066 kg

How long does European Bee-eater live?

5-10 years

How fast can European Bee-eater move?

60 km/h

What does European Bee-eater eat?

These colourful birds are expert insect hunters, primarily feasting on bees, wasps, and other flying insects.

Where is European Bee-eater usually found?

Grasslands

How does European Bee-eater hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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