Bee-eaters, birds belonging to the family Meropidae, are recognized by their remarkably vibrant plumage, slender bodies, and long, downcurved bills. Most of the 31 species are found across Africa and Asia, with a few reaching southern Europe, giving the family an Old World distribution. As their common name suggests, these birds are expert insectivores, specializing in catching flying insects like bees and wasps directly out of the air. Before consumption, the Bee-eater removes the stinger and venom by repeatedly striking and rubbing the insect on a hard surface.
Aerial Hunters of Adult Bee Eaters
The adult Bee-eater’s highly aerial lifestyle and rapid flight make it a challenging target, but it is still vulnerable to specialized avian predators, primarily raptors. Falcons, known for their speed and agility, are among the most significant threats to adult birds while they are foraging or migrating. The Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo), for instance, is a swift falcon that hunts other small birds in mid-air, often catching its prey on the wing during fast, skillful chases.
Raptors employ opportunistic hunting strategies, especially when Bee-eaters are concentrated in large numbers. Attacks frequently occur near colonies or during migration, when the Bee-eaters may be fatigued or distracted. Other bird-hunting raptors, such as the Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes), also prey on adults. Falcons often attack from a great height, utilizing a high-speed dive or “stoop” to capture their fast-moving prey in their talons.
Ground and Burrow Predators
While adults contend with aerial threats, the Bee-eater’s nesting behavior exposes its eggs and young to a different set of predators that hunt on the ground or underground. Bee-eaters are cavity nesters, digging long, narrow nesting burrows into vertical sandy banks, cliffs, or riverbanks, often in large colonies. This colonial setup, while offering some protection, effectively creates a concentrated food source for terrestrial predators.
Mammals with digging abilities, such as mongooses, badgers, weasels, and martens, will raid these nests by excavating the tunnels to reach the chicks and eggs. Rodents, including various species of rats, also exploit the soft substrate of the bank to enter the burrows. Snakes, such as the Montpellier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus), can also access the narrow nesting tunnels and consume the entire brood.
Defense Mechanisms and Group Living
To counteract predation, Bee-eaters have evolved sophisticated social and behavioral strategies. Colonial nesting, involving dozens or even hundreds of pairs, serves as a form of collective defense known as the “safety in numbers” effect. The volume of birds increases the chance of detecting a predator early through communal vigilance and alarm calls.
Breeding pairs often receive assistance from non-breeding “helper” birds, typically older offspring, which aids in nest defense and feeding the young. These helpers increase the fledging success of the family group. The choice of nesting location, such as steep riverbanks or cliff faces, also acts as a physical deterrent, making it difficult for terrestrial mammals to reach the burrow entrances. Furthermore, some species assess a predator’s visual attention, hesitating to enter the nest when they perceive a threat is actively watching the entrance.