White-throated Bee-eater

Overview

The white-throated bee-eater (Merops albicollis) is a migratory, richly coloured species that breeds in semi-desert regions along the southern edge of the Sahara. During the winter months, it moves to completely different equatorial rain forest habitats in Africa, ranging from southern Senegal to Uganda.

Identification

• Slender bird, predominantly green with pale underparts that shade to blue on the breast.
• White face and throat contrasting with a black crown, eye stripe, and neckband; red eyes and a black beak.
• Length of 19–21 cm, plus two very elongated central tail feathers that can add over 12 cm.
• Call is similar to that of the European bee-eater.

Habitat

This species breeds in dry sandy open country such as thorn scrub and near-desert in the semi-desert along the southern edge of the Sahara. It is migratory, wintering in equatorial rain forests in Africa from southern Senegal to Uganda.

Diet

As the name suggests, this species feeds predominantly on insects such as bees, wasps, and hornets, though it probably takes mainly flying ants and beetles. It catches these prey items in the air by sorting from open perches.

Did you know?

While both parents care for the 6 to 7 spherical white eggs laid in a long tunnel, up to five helpers also assist with caring for the young.