European Bee-eaterMerops apiasterWhere and when to see them

The European bee-eater is a vividly coloured migrant linking warm European breeding landscapes with African wintering grounds. Chestnut, yellow, turquoise and green combine in plumage that is unmistakable in a good view, although high-flying flocks may first reveal themselves through liquid calls. It hunts airborne insects above open country and nests in tunnels excavated into banks. Colonies can be surprisingly unobtrusive when viewed from a distance, despite the birds' bright colours and busy social activity.

Size

27-29 cm long

Weight

44-78 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Bee-eaters launch from exposed branches or wires, seize flying insects and often return to a perch to handle them. Before swallowing stinging prey, they repeatedly strike and rub it against the perch. Pairs excavate nesting tunnels, sometimes alongside many neighbours, and some receive help from additional birds. Flocks communicate frequently in flight and gather before migration. Nest banks are vulnerable to disturbance, especially when people stand close to entrances or obstruct the adults' approach. Courtship rituals include the male presenting the female with food items, a display that strengthens pair bonds. When nesting in colonies, the birds often cooperate in warding off predators such like snakes or raptors. Bee-eaters are highly migratory, undertaking long journeys between their breeding grounds in Europe and wintering areas in Africa.

• Both sexes contribute to excavating the nesting tunnel.
• The nest chamber lies beyond a tunnel that may exceed one metre.
• Nonbreeding helpers sometimes assist a pair with chick provisioning.
• Indigestible insect fragments are expelled in pellets.

May through August is a useful breeding-season observation window in Greece and Portugal, with spring arrival and autumn passage extending opportunities into April and September. Warm, settled conditions encourage visible insect hunting, while cool rain can temporarily reduce aerial activity. During spring migration in April, large flocks can be seen passing over coastal areas in both Greece and Portugal, offering spectacular viewing opportunities. Autumn passage in September sees birds heading south, often staging at wetlands or along river systems to refuel. On cruises, observing the birds from deck as they cross open water during migration can be a memorable experience.

Sunny open countryside with scattered perches, insect-rich grassland and suitable earth banks supports breeding birds. River valleys, quarries and farmland edges are typical settings. Coastal plains can also be used, but dense forest and heavily urbanized waterfronts provide poor habitat. They readily utilize man-made habitats such as vineyards and olive groves, especially where sandy or loamy soils are available for nesting. Steep riverbanks, sea cliffs, and even abandoned sand quarries also provide suitable breeding sites for colonies. While they tolerate some human presence, sustained disturbance can lead to nest abandonment.

Bees, wasps and hornets are prominent prey, but the diet also includes dragonflies, beetles, butterflies and other flying insects. Birds catch most food in flight. Local insect availability, weather and the energetic demands of growing chicks influence the prey brought to nests. They have specialized tongues and salivary glands to help them process stinging insects, and their thick skin offers some protection from stings. Large insects are often dismembered before consumption, with indigestible parts like wings and legs discarded. Bee-eaters show remarkable agility, often performing aerial acrobatics to catch fast-moving prey.

Common name

European Bee-eater

Scientific name

Merops apiaster

Animal group

Birds

Size

27-29 cm long

Weight

44-78 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its chestnut crown and back, yellow throat, turquoise underparts and black eye stripe separate it from the greener blue-cheeked bee-eater and the predominantly green little bee-eaters. Their long, decurved black bill is another key identifying feature, contrasting with their colourful plumage. In flight, their pointed wings and long central tail feathers are distinctive, giving them an elegant silhouette. Juveniles appear duller, with a greenish wash to their underparts and less defined head markings compared to adults.