Some birds eat bees, engaging in a natural predator-prey relationship within various ecosystems. While bees possess a sting for defense, certain bird species have evolved specific behaviors and adaptations that allow them to safely consume these insects.
Birds That Prey on Bees
Several bird species are known for preying on bees, ranging from highly specialized feeders to opportunistic insectivores. The most notable are the Bee-eaters (family Meropidae), a group of around 30 species found predominantly in Africa and Asia, with some in southern Europe and Australia. These birds are named for their primary diet of flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which they catch mid-flight from an open perch. Bee-eaters are characterized by their vibrant plumage, slender bodies, long downturned bills, and often elongated central tail feathers.
Other birds also include bees in their diet, though less exclusively. These include:
Shrikes, which consume bees.
Flycatchers, such as the Eastern Kingbird and Great Crested Flycatcher, which snatch bees and other insects from the air.
Mockingbirds, swifts, and thrushes, which opportunistically consume bees.
Woodpeckers, like the green woodpecker, which may target bee larvae within nests.
The Summer Tanager, sometimes called the “beebird,” which frequently preys on bees and wasps.
Northern Cardinals, which have been observed attacking hives to eat adult bees, particularly during breeding season when they require high protein.
How Birds Handle Stinging Prey
Birds that consume stinging insects like bees employ various techniques to neutralize the threat of a sting. One common method involves repeatedly hitting and rubbing the captured bee against a hard surface, such as a branch or the ground. This action helps dislodge or remove the stinger and discharge most of the venom from the bee’s body.
Some species, like the Summer Tanager, are observed to wipe the bee on a branch to remove the stinger before consumption. Shrikes also typically remove the stinger and may manipulate or beat larger insects against a perch to soften them. The long, slender, or hooked bills of these birds, such as those of Bee-eaters, are adapted for plucking bees from the air and handling them effectively. These adaptations and behaviors allow avian predators to safely access the nutritional content of their stinging prey.
Beyond the Buzz: Ecological Context
Bees represent a valuable food source for birds, offering protein and fat content. For specialized predators like Bee-eaters, bees and wasps constitute a significant portion of their diet. However, for many other bird species, bees are an opportunistic food source, consumed when readily available or when other insect prey is scarce.
Bird predation on bee populations generally has a minimal impact on healthy, established bee colonies. However, for localized populations or during specific periods, such as when queen bees are undertaking mating flights, specialized bird predators can cause more noticeable losses. Beekeepers, particularly in regions with high densities of specialized bee-eating birds, sometimes view these birds as pests due to potential economic implications for honey production and colony health.
Bees play a widely recognized role as pollinators, contributing to the reproduction of numerous flowering plants and a significant portion of human food crops. Their activity is integral to ecosystem health and biodiversity. The relationship between birds and bees is a dynamic part of natural food webs, where birds act as natural population controls, helping to maintain ecological balance.