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SPECIES PROFILE
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
Merops
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Southern Europe, Africa (migrant)
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Open country, rivers
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Coraciiformes
FAMILY
Meropidae
GENUS
Merops
📋 Description
SIZE
25-29 cm body, 40-75 g
COLORATION
Rainbow colors: blue, green, yellow, brown
ADAPTATIONS
Aerial insect catcher, colonial nester
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Open country, rivers
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Southern Europe, Africa (migrant)
REPRODUCTION
4-7 eggs, 1 brood per year
DIET DETAILS
Bees, wasps, dragonflies
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The European Bee-eater is one of Europe's most colorful birds with bright green, blue, yellow and brown plumage. It catches insects in mid-air and beats bees against perches to remove stings.
2
It breeds in colonies in sandy banks.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Lesvos Island Greece
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Summer (April–September)
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for colorful bee-eaters on wires in summer.
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