European bee-eaters are very colourful, incredible beautiful birds.
At the beginning of May they return from Africa, where they winter. They eat insects (especially bees, wasps, butterflies and dragonflies).
Bee-eaters are 28 cm long, under 70 gr weight and have a wingspan of about 40 cm.
They live in large colonies. After they return from Africa, they dig tunnels in clay banks and make their nests inside. At the beginning of August, their chicks learn how to fly and how to catch insects.
After yellowhammers, bee-eaters are my favourites birds.
Since I was a kid I know their calls even if, at that time, I had no idea how they were looking like.
I think this is a juvenile bird because I noticed that adult birds have two elongated central tail feathers.
Cornell's photos and words 
What beautiful birds they are. Great shots Cornel.
Thank you.
Maybe next year you will have a really colony of bee-eater there. That would be a great joy for you.
It certainly would
Really gorgeous little bird. No wonder it is one of your favorites. That first shot, the one on top, is fabulous.
Indeed, gorgeous birds.
They are so interesting! Sadly, we have them here only for about 4 and a half months. But I see them only in August when they bring their chicks on field near our village and catch insects.
Great photos of a beautiful bird! I can see why they are one of your favorites, they would be one of mine also if we had them here.
Thank you.
It’s the beauty of nature to have some species only in some areas of the Earth. And so, it’s interesting for me to see new birds in your posts, it’s interesting for you to see birds which you don’t have there in my posts (and on other blogs).
So very true!
I remember your early photos of these, Cornel – such beautiful birds, like a rainbow of colour!
Thank you.
Oh, how glad I was a few years ago when I photographed them for the firs time!! Even if those are poor photos, I still like them because they treasure my very first encounters with them!
I can understand that – and I remember your delight! 🙂
Beautiful little bird.
Yes, it is! I think now it is in Africa. Their migration started a few weeks ago.
Thank you for your visit.
Would love to see this gorgeous bird someday.
Thank you for your visit.
European bee eaters are lovely bird. I think they alredy arrived in Africa. Can’t wait until May when they will be back.