Southern Carmine Bee-eater

Two colorful carmine bee eater birds perched on a branch, showcasing vibrant plumage against a blurred background.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater

LIFE

Bee-eaters are a family of birds (Meropidae) known for their spectacular colors, specialized hunting techniques, and complex social lives. Among them, the Southern Carmine Bee-eater stands out as one of the most vibrant and largest species.The vibrantly red bird on the right is an adult while the brownish juvenile is on the left. These birds love bushfires. They will hover right at the edge of a fire to snatch up the thousands of insects fleeing the flames. They are known to ride on the backs of large animals like Kori Bustards, ostriches, or even warthogs. As the large animal walks through the grass, it flushes out grasshoppers, which the bee-eater then dives down to catch. Unlike the Green Bee-eater which is more solitary, Carmines are incredibly social. They nest in "cities" of thousands of birds, honeycombing riverbanks with their nesting holes.

Artist description

Bee-eaters are a family of birds (Meropidae) known for their spectacular colors, specialized hunting techniques, and complex social lives. Among them, the Southern Carmine Bee-eater stands out as one of the most vibrant and largest species.The vibrantly red bird on the right is an adult while the brownish juvenile is on the left. These birds love bushfires. They will hover right at the edge of a fire to snatch up the thousands of insects fleeing the flames. They are known to ride on the backs of large animals like Kori Bustards, ostriches, or even warthogs. As the large animal walks through the grass, it flushes out grasshoppers, which the bee-eater then dives down to catch. Unlike the Green Bee-eater which is more solitary, Carmines are incredibly social. They nest in "cities" of thousands of birds, honeycombing riverbanks with their nesting holes.