Meropidae

Also known as bee-eaters, bee-eater

The bee-eaters are a group of birds in the family Meropidae, containing three genera and thirty-one species. Most species are found in Africa and Asia, with a few in southern Europe, Australia, and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies, and usually elongated central tail feathers. All have long down-turned bills and medium to long wings, which may be pointed or round. Male and female plumages are usually similar.

AI overview

Meropidae is a family of colorful birds called bee-eaters, found mainly in Africa and Asia with some species in Europe, Australia, and New Guinea. They are recognizable by their slender bodies, long curved bills, and bright plumage, and they are notable for their specialized hunting of flying insects, particularly bees and other aerial prey.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

bee-eaters

Meropidae

FAMILY

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderCoraciiformes
FamilyMeropidae

Observations recorded3,218,888

via GBIF

Wikidata facts

Image: Bee eater in Selous Game Reserve.jpg

Show 4 more facts

Commons category: Meropidae
taxon name: Meropidae
Commons gallery: Meropidae
taxon common name: legati

Sources (4)

via Wikidata · CC0

~28 min read

Article

13 sections

Contents

Taxonomy
Species in taxonomic order
Description
Distribution and habitat
Behaviour
Diet and feeding
Predation of honey bees
Breeding
Predators and parasites
Status
In culture
References
External links

As their name suggests, bee-eaters predominantly eat flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which are caught on the wing from an open perch. The insect's stinger is removed by repeatedly hitting and rubbing the insect on a hard surface. During this process, pressure is applied to the insect's body, thereby discharging most of the venom.