Swallow tailed bee eater

Introduction: Swallow-tailed bee-eaters (Merops hirundineus) inhabit tall savannah woodlands, more often than not on Kalahari sands. They can be observed singly or in pairs with flocks in winter numbering up to 30 birds. The roost in groups of around 10 birds tightly packed on branches in leafy trees.

Distribution: Found throughout Namibia less for arid Namib Desert.

Diet: Eats mainly insects forage up to 20m above the ground but will take insects on the perch. Eats bees and wasps, flies, beetles, moths, dragonflies and grasshoppers.

Description: Hirundineus is Latin for swallow-like. Often confused with the white-throated bee-eater which has similarly coloured upperparts.

Breeding: Laying dates in Namibia are January and February and from October to December. Females lay between 2 and 4 eggs laid at daily intervals. Young are fed by both adults.

Size: 21cm.

Weight: 23g.