Meropidae
Sign in to saveThe 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.
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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.
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Taxonomy · GBIF
FAMILY
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumChordata
- ClassAves
- OrderCoraciiformes
- FamilyMeropidae
via GBIF · CC0
Article
13 sectionsContents
- 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
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.
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.