EUROPEAN BEE-EATER: PAINT THE SKY

The loveliest of Bee-eaters, European Bee-eater migrates across the Mediterranean Sea to summer in Europe. Wherever He goes, He flies together with his huge Flock. In their turquoise blues, brick reds, and lemon yellows, European Bee-eaters fill the skies with bright primary colours.

When his Flock returns to Europe, European Bee-eater eagerly finds his favourite hunting perch in their summering grounds. Rapidly scanning the area, He zips out and grabs a passing Insect. Gorging Himself on Bees, European Bee-eater will catch about two hundred Bee-sized Insects to feed his family. Because He feasts on Bees, many beekeepers regard Him to be a pest. However, European Bee-eater also eats Hornets and Bee Wolves, predators of Honey Bees.

In his large Colony, European Bee-eater lives with his family Clan. Within his Clan are non-breeding Birds, usually Uncles and Sons. These Bee-eaters help with the raising of the Clan’s Chicks.

Whether in a Colony or a Clan, European Bee-eater makes a colourful sight. Against a grey sky, He brightens it up. With a sunny sky, He enhances it with beauty. European Bee-eater paints the sky, as you can too.

CARMINE BEE-EATER: SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

Carmine Bee-eater spends most of her day flying high over mangrove swamps, grassy plains, and open pastures. As the largest of the African Bee-eaters, She can overhaul her Prey in mid-air. Moreover, Carmine Bee-eater can de-venom a Honey Bee in mid-flight.
Carmine Bee
-eater usually lives in colonies with over a thousand members. Along with her fellow Birds, She riddles the earthen cliff where they live with deep holes for her nest. Hurling beak first against a standing cliff, Carmine Bee-eater will continue until She makes a depression. Once that is made, She will then finish her burrow, by pecking from a standing position.

When Carmine Bee-eater hunts insects, She is inventive. Riding on the backs of Antelope or Koi Bustard, She eats the Insects that are disturbed by Them. She will even perch on tractor cabs to snatch Insects caught in the machine’s slipstream. Sometimes Carmine Bee-eater will skim over the water, submerge Herself and catch a Fish.

A successful predator, Carmine Bee-eater is called “Cousin to the fire” in Africa. She plucks Insects escaping the flames. Carmine Bee-eater seizes opportunities where She finds them. Just remember to be as skillful as She is or you will get singed if you get too close to the fire.

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Science Notes:

1. Scientists have divided Carmine Bee-eater into two species. The Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nuacordes) is the larger of the two. Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus) has blue-green throat plumage instead of red.

BEE-EATER FAMILY: GRACE AND BEAUTY

Spectacularly coloured, Bee-eaters become just blurs as They zip after Bees and Hornets. In hunting, They will perch where Bees often travel in search of pollen. Spying their prey, Bee-eaters take off and promptly seize the Bee in mid-air. After taking their prize back to their perch, Bee-eaters will bash the Bee’s head against the wood. Then They will rub the Bee’s abdomen to discharge the venom before eating the dead Insect.

The Bee-eater Family is divided into three groups. The largest group is the Meropidae, who are found throughout the Old World. The Nyctyornis Group, which only lives in Asia, consists of Red-bearded Bee-eater and Blue-bearded Bee-eater. Unlike the Meropidae, these Birds hunt alone, and are not as gregarious. Meanwhile Purple-bearded (Celebes) Bee-eater, who only lives on the island of Sulawesi, is the sole member of the Meropogon group.

Many people welcome the sight of these Birds. For example, known as “Rainbow Bird” in Australia, Rainbow Bee-eater heralds the coming of spring with his bright colours. These glistening Jewels of the Sun paint the sky with grace and beauty. Bee-eaters of all kinds bring grace and beauty to gladden the hearts of those who see Them.