Bee-eaters

27 species

The bee-eaters are a group of non-passerine birds, containing 27 species. Most species are found in Africa and Asia, with a few in southern Europe, Australia, and New Guinea. These birds have richly colored plumage, slender bodies, and usually elongated central tail feathers. All have long downturned bills and medium to long wings, which may be pointed or round. Male and female plumages are usually similar. As their name suggests, bee-eaters predominantly eat flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which are caught on the wing from an open perch. The insect\'s stinger is removed by repeatedly hitting and rubbing the insect on a hard surface. Most bee-eaters are gregarious. They form colonies, nesting in burrows tunneled into vertical sandy banks, often at the side of a river or on flat ground. Most species are monogamous, and both parents care for their young, sometimes with assistance from related birds in the colony.
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The bee-eaters are a group of non-passerine birds, containing 27 species. Most species are found in Africa and Asia, with a few in southern Europe, Australia, and New Guinea. These birds have richly colored plumage, slender bodies, and usually elongated central tail feathers. All have long downturned bills and medium to long wings, which may be pointed or round. Male and female plumages are usually similar. As their name suggests, bee-eaters predominantly eat flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which are caught on the wing from an open perch. The insect\'s stinger is removed by repeatedly hitting and rubbing the insect on a hard surface. Most bee-eaters are gregarious. They form colonies, nesting in burrows tunneled into vertical sandy banks, often at the side of a river or on flat ground. Most species are monogamous, and both parents care for their young, sometimes with assistance from related birds in the colony.
show less