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European Bee-eater
The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is a strikingly colorful bird known for its vibrant plumage and graceful flight. It plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, particularly bees and wasps, which form the bulk of its diet. While beneficial for controlling some agricultural pests, their bee-heavy diet can sometimes put them in conflict with beekeepers. This species holds cultural significance in some parts of Europe, often appearing in folklore and local traditions as a symbol of summer and vibrant life.
27-29 cm
Length
44-49 cm
Wingspan
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Distribution
The European Bee-eater breeds across southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It is a strong migrant, wintering in tropical Africa, and occasionally in India. Its altitudinal range varies, found from sea level up to around 1500 meters in some regions, particularly during migration.
Lifespan
Typically 5-6 years in the wild.
European Bee-eater's Habitat
Habitat Types
Open woodlands, Savannas, Grasslands, Riverbanks, Sand dunes, Agricultural fields
Climate Zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Tropical
Adaptations
Their preference for open habitats with exposed perches is an adaptation for their aerial hunting style. They require vertical, sandy banks or cliffs for nesting, which provides protection from predators.
Variations
While several subspecies have been proposed, they are generally not well-defined and variation is largely clinal (gradual change over a geographic area).
Appearance
Breeding Plumage
Plumage is generally similar year-round, although it may appear slightly duller outside of the breeding season due to feather wear.
Seasonal Feather Changes
Minor; colors may become slightly less intense after breeding.
Sex Based Plumage Differences
Males and females are very similar in appearance. Males may have slightly more golden-brown feathers on their backs and scapulars, but this is often subtle.
Notable Features
Long, slender, down-curved bill, Bright yellow throat, Reddish-brown upperparts, Blue-green underparts, Elongated central tail feathers (streamers)
Diet and Feeding
Primary Foods
Bees, Wasps, Hornets, Dragonflies, Beetles
Foraging Behavior
European Bee-eaters are aerial insectivores. They hunt from exposed perches, sallying out to catch flying insects in mid-air. They often return to the same perch to consume their prey.
Specializations
After catching a bee or wasp, they repeatedly strike the insect against a hard surface to remove the stinger and venom sac before swallowing it. This behavior is learned.
Seasonal Diet Variations
Diet composition varies depending on insect availability. While bees and wasps are preferred, they will take other flying insects when those are scarce.
Behavior
Social Structure
Highly social; often breed in colonies that can range from a few pairs to several hundred. They also migrate and forage in flocks.
Communication
Distinctive, liquid, rolling 'prruup' call, Visual displays during courtship and territorial disputes
Migration
Complete migrants; European populations travel to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. They migrate in large flocks, often following coastlines and river valleys.
Territorial or Group Behaviors
They defend a small area immediately around their nest burrow during the breeding season. Outside of breeding, they are highly gregarious.
Conservation
Threats
Habitat loss (loss of nesting sites and foraging areas), Pesticide use (reducing insect prey), Direct persecution (by beekeepers in some areas), Climate change (affecting migration timing and prey availability)
Protection Programs
Listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention (protection of migratory species), Protected under national legislation in many European countries
Local National Laws
Varies by country, but generally protected from hunting and nest destruction.
Population Trend
Stable
Population Estimates
The global population is estimated to be between 9,900,000 and 20,499,999 individuals.
Interesting Facts
They can consume up to 250 bees per day.
This highlights their significant impact on insect populations.
Nest burrows can be up to 2.7 meters (9 feet) long.
The length of the burrow provides protection from predators and temperature fluctuations.
They are immune to bee and wasp venom
Although they remove the stinger, small amounts of venom are occasionally injected, but they have evolved resistance.
Faqs about European Bee-eater
Are European Bee-eaters harmful to honeybee populations?
While they do consume honeybees, their impact on overall honeybee populations is generally considered to be minimal, except perhaps in localized areas near large bee-eater colonies or apiaries. Their diet is diverse, and they consume many other insects.
How can I attract European Bee-eaters to my area?
Providing suitable nesting habitat (sandy banks or cliffs) and maintaining areas with abundant flying insects can help attract them. However, they are migratory and only present in certain regions during the breeding season.
Do both male and female have colorful plumage?
Yes, both sexes are brightly colored, although males may have slightly more intense coloration on their backs.
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