Little Bee-eater

Fascinating facts about the Little Bee-eater

• Only 15-17 cm long, it's Africa's smallest bee-eater. Its bright green back, yellow throat and black gorget give it a jewel-like look, yet the bird often stays silent, flashing a soft "seep" when heard. At just a metre or less above ground it darts out to snatch bees, wasps and hornets, then smacks the stinger off on a rock.
• Unlike most bee-eaters that nest in colonies, this species nests alone, carving a tunnel into sandy banks or even taking over an aardvark's den entrance. Each pair lays 4-6 spherical white eggs, and both parents share incubation duties. After breeding, the birds gather on tree branches to roost side-by-side.
• Between 60 and 80 million little bee-eaters are found in the savanna, bushveld and marsh-like areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Measuring just 15-17 cm, the little bee-eater is the smallest African bee-eater. Its slender, brightly coloured body has green upper parts and a square tail with a slight fork, and its green back provides camouflage.
• Estimates place the total population between 60 million and 80 million individuals, making the species abundant across Sub-Saharan Africa. These tame birds are a familiar sight wherever they occur, often seen in open savanna, bushveld or even marsh-like areas. Their numbers are supported by their flexible habitat use and seasonal movements that follow rainfall patterns. Such abundance ensures they are a common component of the local avifauna.

Sources

Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.

• Wikipedia

At a glance

About the Little Bee-eater

The Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus) is a small, vibrant avian jewel, measuring about 16-17 cm in length, with striking emerald green plumage that glistens under the sun. Its throat is a bright yellow, contrasting sharply with the deep chestnut of its underparts and the distinctive black eye stripe that adds to its charm. Typically found in open woodlands, savannas, and near water bodies across sub-Saharan Africa, these birds prefer habitats with scattered trees that provide suitable perches for hunting. Their agile flight is a spectacle to behold, as they dart through the air with precision, showcasing their remarkable aerial acrobatics while foraging for insects, primarily bees and wasps, which are caught mid-flight with incredible skill. This adaptability in diet allows them to thrive in various environments, often seen hunting in small groups, which adds a social dimension to their behavior; their cheerful calls echoing through the landscape as they communicate with one another, a delightful symphony of nature's orchestra. One particularly surprising trait of the Little Bee-eater is its unique nesting behavior. Unlike many of its relatives, which prefer to nest in tree cavities, this species excavates burrows in sandy banks or embankments, sometimes as deep as a meter. These burrows serve as both a nesting site and a refuge from predators, showcasing the bird's ingenuity in utilizing available resources. The breeding season is a time of intense activity, as both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks, reinforcing their strong pair bonds. As the sun sets over the savanna, the Little Bee-eater's vibrant colors fade into the dusk, but their lively spirit lingers, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness their enchanting presence in the wild.

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