European Bee-eater

The European bee-eater has an extensive migratory distribution across Europe, Africa, and western and central Asia. Most populations breed in southern Europe and adjacent regions before moving to sub-Saharan Africa for autumn and winter. The species uses open, warm landscapes with abundant aerial insects and exposed soil, including grassland, farmland, river valleys, quarries, cliffs, and sandy banks. Adults measure 27–30 cm, span 44–49 cm, and weigh 44–78 g. Males and females have similarly colorful plumage. (Animal Diversity Web)

Bees and wasps are major prey, accompanied by dragonflies, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and grasshoppers captured in flight. Stinging insects are often beaten against a perch before swallowing. European bee-eaters are monogamous, colonial nesters and sometimes receive help from non-breeding relatives. A pair excavates a long nesting tunnel in a sandy bank, cliff, or flat ground. Clutches generally contain five to seven eggs, although four to ten are possible. Both parents share incubation for approximately twenty days and subsequently feed the nestlings. (Animal Diversity Web)