The little bee-eater is a bird species in the bee-eater family, Meropidae. They are found in Sub-Saharan Africa. They should not be confused with the little green bee-eater. Migration is limited to seasonal movements depending on rainfall patterns.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in open savannas, bushy grasslands, and light woodland, as well as along riverbanks, floodplains, and agricultural edges. It favors areas with scattered shrubs or small trees that provide low perches for hunting. Avoids dense forest and true desert but readily uses disturbed landscapes if perches and sandy soils for nesting are present. Often found near water where flying insects are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small bee-eater hawks insects from low exposed perches and specializes in stinging prey like bees and wasps. Before swallowing, it removes the sting by repeatedly rubbing the insect against the perch. It nests in burrows tunneled into sandy banks or flat ground, often in loose colonies. Movements are largely local and tied to rainfall and insect abundance.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies and brief glides
Social Behavior
Frequently perches in small groups and hunts by sallying out from low exposed branches. Breeds in pairs or loose colonies, excavating tunnels in sandy banks or level ground. Some populations show cooperative breeding with helpers assisting at nests.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twittering calls, often a repeated seep or trree note given in flight and from perches. Vocalizations are light and musical, carrying over open savanna.
Plumage
Bright green upperparts with yellow throat bordered by a narrow black gorget; warm rufous to buff underparts and green tail with slightly elongated central feathers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying insects, especially bees and wasps, but also takes dragonflies, flies, beetles, and other hymenopterans. Captured prey is beaten against a perch to stun it, and stings are removed before swallowing. Foraging is highly visual and involves repeated sallies from favored perches.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along edges of open woodland, savanna clearings, river margins, and cultivated fields with scattered shrubs. Uses low perches such as twigs, fence lines, or reed tops to scan for passing insects.
