About the European Bee-eater
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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly coloured, slender bird. It has brown and yellow upper parts, whilst the wings are green and the beak is black. It can reach a length of 27–29 cm (10.6–11.4 in), including the two elongated central tail feathers, and weigh 44–78 g (52 g on average). Sexes are alike. Female tends to have greener rather than gold feathers on shoulders. Non-breeding plumage is much duller and with a blue-green back and no elongated central tail feathers. Juvenile resembles a non-breeding adult, but with less variation in the feather colours.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the European Bee-eater sounds like
Where the European Bee-eater lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Iceland, Chad, Guernsey.
When to see the European Bee-eater
Peak activity in May · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Asian Green Bee-eaterMerops orientalisLike other bee-eaters, this species is a slender, richly coloured bird.
Blue-tailed Bee-eaterMerops philippinusThis species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly coloured, slender bird.
Rainbow Bee-eaterMerops ornatusRainbow bee-eaters are brilliantly coloured birds that grow to be 23–28 cm (9.1–11.0 in) in length, including the elongated tail feathers, and weighing 20–33 g (0.71–1.16 oz).
Side by side: Asian Green Bee-eater vs European Bee-eater · Blue-tailed Bee-eater vs European Bee-eater · European Bee-eater vs Rainbow Bee-eater
Learn the European Bee-eater in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.