CARMINE BEE-EATER
Merops nubicus
DESCRIPTION
The Carmine Bee-eater is a striking bird known for its vibrant red plumage, which is complemented by a greenish-blue crown and wings. This species is often seen in open savannas and grasslands, where it displays its acrobatic flying skills while hunting for insects. They are social birds, often found in small groups, and are known for their distinctive, loud calls that echo through their habitats.
FUN FACTS
- Carmine Bee-eaters are known for their impressive aerial skills, often catching insects mid-flight with remarkable precision
- They also engage in a unique behavior called 'mud bathing,' where they roll in wet mud to clean their feathers and remove parasites.| These birds are highly social and often nest in colonies, which can consist of hundreds of individuals
- This social structure helps them protect their nests from predators, as they can collectively warn each other of approaching threats
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild
Average Weight50-70 g
Average Length25-30 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social StructureThey are often found in pairs or small groups, displaying social interactions during foraging and nesting.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- These birds prefer open habitats such as savannas, grasslands, and areas near water bodies. They often nest in sandy banks or cliffs, where they dig burrows for their eggs.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland
- Native Range
- The Carmine Bee-eater is native to parts of Africa, particularly in the sub-Saharan region.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya
- Diet
- Carmine Bee-eaters primarily feed on insects, particularly bees and wasps, which they catch in mid-air. They are skilled hunters, often performing aerial acrobatics to capture their prey.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- bees, wasps, and other flying insects
- Social Structure
- They are often found in pairs or small groups, displaying social interactions during foraging and nesting.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-20
- Territorial
- 0
LC
50-70 g
Weight
25-30 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Vibrant red body with a greenish-blue crown and wings.
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and pesticide use, which can reduce their food sources.
- Predators
- Larger birds of prey, snakes, and mammals may prey on Carmine Bee-eaters, especially when they are nesting.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often rely on their agility and speed to evade predators during flight.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon