Böhm's bee-eater is a species of bird in the family Meropidae. It is found in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Region
South-Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo through Tanzania to Malawi, Zambia, and northern Mozambique. Inhabits open and lightly wooded habitats, especially riverine woodland, miombo, and edges of savanna with scattered trees. Often found near watercourses and clearings where flying insects are abundant. Typically perches on exposed branches or wires to sally out after prey. Breeding sites include vertical banks and, notably, arboreal termitaria in woodland.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Böhm's bee-eater is a small, agile member of the bee-eater family that hunts flying insects on the wing. Unusually for bee-eaters, it often nests in cavities excavated in arboreal termite mounds as well as earth banks. It frequents open woodland, especially miombo and riverine edges, and often perches conspicuously while foraging. Pairs and small groups are common, and loose colonies may form at nesting sites.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups and may form loose breeding colonies. Perches openly to hunt and returns repeatedly to favored lookouts. Nests are tunnelled into earthen banks or into arboreal termite mounds, where both adults participate in excavation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, high-pitched trills and rolling prrreeep notes while in flight or from perches. Calls are quick, musical, and often exchanged among flock members during foraging.
Plumage
Mostly green with a contrasting warm rufous throat, black mask through the eye, and blue tones on the rump and undertail. Slender, streamlined body with elongated central tail feathers. Underparts greenish with subtle shading; wings show darker flight feathers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on bees, wasps, and other flying insects such as dragonflies, beetles, and flying ants. Captures prey in mid-air after sallying from an exposed perch. Typically disarms stinging insects by beating them on the perch and squeezing out the sting before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Forages above open woodland, along river edges, and over clearings and tracks where insect activity is high. Uses elevated perches such as branches or wires to spot and pursue prey.
