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Trees- ShrubsBee-eater (Merops apiaster)
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Merops apiaster is closely related to M. hirundineus (Swallow-tailed Bee-eater) and M. leschenaulti (Chestnut-headed Bee-eater). M. apiaster is reasonably large (27 to 29 cm) and has an average wingspan of 36 to 40 cm. It is a member of the Meropidae family. One of Europe’s most colourful birds the Bee-eater is also unique, and therefore easy to indentify, by its behaviour, song, and shape. Their bodies are red/brown black in colour on the back (greener on juvenile birds) and they have a green-blue underside. They also have a long, pointed bill, a dark cap on their heads (again greener on juvenile birds), and large yellow throats (1).
As mentioned the Bee-eater has a distinctive, unique voice, which is far-carrying, deep, and quite liquid in note ‘prroop prroop’ (1).
They are generally quite lively birds and live in flocks; however, some members of the same genus do live individually. This genus though is very sociable and will be seen in flocks all year round. When perched they almost sit shoulder to shoulder and will move their tail backwards and forwards in a sweeping motion (1) (2).
Often found near water, Bee-eaters prefer low density wooded areas (2). They favour warmer climes and will be often found in sandy areas with orchards, bushy areas, open grassland, and low earth cliffs (1).
Breeding occurs from May to June (1) and in colonies. One brood will take place and will produce four to seven eggs. Apart from some shared feeding, little courtship occurs with these birds. Many non-breeding birds also assist as nest helpers. Similar to many species it is the male that actively defends the nest site from other males/species. A study bye Lessells and Krebs (1989) on a Bee-eater nesting colony in the south of France (1983 to 1987) revealed that breeding pairs that survived the winter months tended to breed together in successive years. Also, of all the newly-hatched, marked, birds most females attempted to breed after one year whereas males did not attempt this until two years (3).
Merops apiaster tend to breed in the south and east of Europe and it is rarely found in north Europe. In Greece it is widespread and locally common in summer months and is a passing migrant in the winter. They have been noted to be locally abundant on Samos (4).
In spring months the Bee-eater takes common passage through Greece, but their appearance is irregular. During migration Bee-eaters often use thermals, rising to great heights making them almost impossible to see, although their distinctive call makes them detectable. Migratory flocks tend to be 10 to 100 in size (3). It is a regular winter migrant in Africa and the Middle-East.
As the name would suggest Bee-eaters do, indeed, eats bees. They also eat other insects such as: wasps, ants, spiders, flies, and occasionally larger prey like lizards.
IUCN Red List = Least Concern (5), however, numbers are believed to be declining.
Description written by Ross James (2009)
(1) Hume. R. (2002) Complete Birds of Britain and Europe, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London
(2) Animal Life Resource (2009) Bee-Eaters: Meropidae – Physical Characteristics, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Bee-eaters And People, Purple-bearded Bee-eater (meropogon Forsteni): Species Accounts – GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, CONSERVATION STATUS [online] Available:
http://animals.jrank.org/pages/904/Bee-Eaters-Meropidae.html [date accessed: 05/03/2009]
(3) Lessells. C. M., and Krebs. J. R. (1989) Age and Breeding Performance of European Bee-eaters, The Auk, 106(3):375-382
(4) Handrinos. G. and Akriotis. T. (1997) The Birds of Greece, A & C Black, London.
(5) IUCN (2009) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [online] Available:
http://www.iucnredlist.org [date accessed: 23/06/2009]
