European Bee-eater

Merops apiaster

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Aves · Coraciiformes · Meropidae

About

The European bee-eater is a bird species in the bee-eater family, Meropidae. It breeds in southern and central Europe, northern and southern Africa, and western Asia. Except for the resident southern African population, the species is strongly migratory, wintering in tropical Africa. This species occurs as a spring overshoot north of its usual range, with occasional breeding in northern Europe.

Fun Fact

European bee-eaters are immune to bee stings — before eating, they bash the bee against a branch and squeeze out the venom, a technique perfected within days of leaving the nest.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Open country and farmlands

Diet

Insectivore

Lifespan

5-6 years

Threats

Habitat Loss
Human-Wildlife Conflict

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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