I traveled to a special spot known for having one of the largest populations of European bee-eaters. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to get very close as the area was being actively monitored to prevent any disturbance to the birds – something I fully support. At the same time strong heat haze made conditions quite difficult, and they could mostly be photographed in flight. Still, I’m thrilled to check these stunning birds off my list. Hearing and seeing them was truly incredible.
🇺🇸 The European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is a vividly colored, slender bird of the Meropidae family, widely distributed across southern and central Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia. It prefers warm open landscapes, riverbanks, farmland edges, and sandy areas ideal for nesting. Measuring around 27 to 29 centimeters in length, including its elongated central tail feathers, it has a wingspan of about 44 to 49 centimeters and weighs between 50 and 70 grams. This striking bird is instantly recognizable by its bright plumage: a blend of chestnut, yellow, turquoise, and green. Bee-eaters are highly aerial and feed mostly on flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which they catch mid-air and skillfully disarm before consumption. Their call is a soft, rolling “prruup”, often heard in chorus from flocks in flight. European bee-eaters are migratory, breeding in Europe and migrating to tropical Africa for the winter.
📍Bavaria
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Ralf Wentz
Kiki
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