The Bee-eater is a colourful and graceful bird that is particularly notable for its exotic appearance. With its bright green back, yellow throat, chestnut brown crown and long, pointed wings, it is a feast for the eyes. Its slender body and characteristic long, curved bill make it easily recognisable. Its tail has two extended middle feathers, giving it a graceful profile in flight.
As its name suggests, the Bee-Eater feeds mainly on bees, wasps and other flying insects. It catches them in mid-air and carefully removes the sting before eating its prey. This bird is a true aerial acrobat and often hunts in groups.
The Bee-eater is native to southern Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but has recently started breeding in the Netherlands, especially on sandy slopes and river dunes. It nests in self-dug tunnels in steep walls.
Because of its tropical appearance and unusual behaviour, the Bee-eater is highly prized by birdwatchers. Its call is a recognisable rolling "prrü" or "trrü", often heard as it flies over in groups.
Although sensitive to cold and changes in its habitat, it seems increasingly at home in Europe's changing climate.
Hello, nice that you take a look in my shop. So my name is Gert Hilbink, living in Coevorden. I have been doing photography since I was 13, inspired by a biology teacher at the then U.L.O. school in Coevorden. Generally I mainly photograph nature but actually.. Read more…