White-fronted Bee-eater

Overview

The white-fronted bee-eater is a species of bee-eater widely distributed in sub-equatorial Africa. It is known for its rich colours and complex social structure, nesting in large colonies within savannah regions.

Identification

• Size of 23 cm with a square tail and black mask.
• Distinctive white forehead and bright red throat patch.
• Upperparts are green with cinnamon underparts.
• Call is a deep squeak.

Habitat

Found in vast savannah regions of sub-equatorial Africa, typically in open country often near gullies. The species nests in colonies by digging holes in cliffs or earthen banks.

Diet

Diet consists primarily of bees, supplemented by other flying insects depending on season and availability. They forage by making quick hawking flights from lower branches or gliding slowly from perches to hover and catch prey.

Did you know?

These birds possess one of the most complex family-based social systems in birds, where non-breeding helpers assist in raising young, a behaviour heavily driven by genetic kinship to increase inclusive fitness.