Bee-eater

Bee-eaters are a group of near-passerine birds in the family Meropidae. They are characterised by their brightly coloured plumage, slender bodies, and typically elongated central tail feathers. They are predominantly found in Africa, Asia, Australia and southern Europe.

Bee-eaters are aerial insectivores, specializing in catching flying insects, particularly bees and wasps, hence their name. They use a "sit-and-wait" hunting strategy, often perched on branches or wires, from which they launch to capture their prey in flight. After catching a stinging insect, bee-eaters repeatedly rub the insect against a perch to remove the stinger and venom.

Most bee-eaters are social birds, nesting in colonies. They excavate tunnels in sandy banks or cliffs, where they lay their eggs. Both parents participate in raising the young, and cooperative breeding, where additional helpers assist in raising the brood, is common in some species.

The family Meropidae consists of approximately 27 species, divided into three genera: Merops, Nyctyornis, and Meropogon. Different species vary in their coloration, size, and habitat preferences. Some species are migratory, traveling long distances to breed or find food.