White fronted bee eater

Introduction: White-fronted bee-eaters (Merops bullockoidus) are named after William Bullock (1775-1840) an English traveller and naturalist who founded the Bullock Museum in London and Sheffield. This species can be observed in habitats that are associated with sandy or lateral riverbanks and watercourses, sometimes in dry watercourses in woodlands, bushy pastures and wooded grasslands. Mixed woodlands with broad-leaved trees are also favoured, such as mopane trees.

Distribution: Rundu extending east through the Caprivi to Victoria Falls, Chobe River and National Park extending south to the Okavango Delta.

Diet: Flying insects, bugs, beetles, dragonflies and grasshoppers.

Description: Resembles the red-throated bee-eater. Black undertail, black bill, dark grey feet and white forehead.

Breeding: Females lay between 2 and 5 white eggs in early summer to prevent nest-flooding. Incubation is 21 days.

Size: 24cm.

Weight: 35g.