The southern carmine bee-eater is a species of bee-eater found across sub-equatorial Africa. It was formerly considered conspecific with the closely related northern carmine bee-eater, with the combined species then known as carmine bee-eater.
Region
Sub-equatorial Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from Angola and Namibia across Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi to Mozambique and northeastern South Africa, with movements into surrounding countries seasonally. Prefers open savanna, floodplains, and river valleys with exposed sandy or loess banks suitable for burrowing. Often forages over wetlands, agricultural lands, and recently burned areas where aerial insects are abundant. Breeding colonies are frequently along major rivers such as the Zambezi. Outside breeding, birds disperse broadly following rains and insect swarms.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking aerial insect-hunter, the southern carmine bee-eater forms huge breeding colonies in vertical riverbanks, tunneling up to 2 meters to nest. They often gather around bushfires and farm fields to snatch insects flushed from vegetation and may perch on large animals or vehicles to gain a better vantage. Their agile, high-speed hawking is aided by long, pointed wings and elongated central tail feathers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
swift, buoyant flight with rapid wingbeats and agile sallies
Social Behavior
Highly colonial breeder, with hundreds to thousands of pairs nesting in close-packed burrows in vertical sand or loess banks. Pairs excavate tunnels up to 2 m deep and may reuse traditional colony sites. Outside breeding, birds roost communally and forage in loose flocks, often with coordinated movements.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Loud, ringing chattering trills and rolling prrt or kree-eek notes given in flight and at colonies. Calls are bright and carry over long distances, especially above foraging flocks and nesting banks.
Plumage
Vivid carmine-pink body with contrasting blue-green crown and nape, and turquoise lower back and rump. Black mask through the eye, slightly glossy. Elongated central tail streamers; underparts largely carmine with bluish undertail coverts.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on flying insects, especially bees and wasps, but also dragonflies, beetles, flying ants, termites, and other hymenopterans. Prey are caught on the wing and often struck against a perch to remove stings or hard parts. They exploit insect swarms around rivers, floodplains, livestock, and bushfires.
Preferred Environment
Hawks from exposed perches such as branches, wires, or the ground near colonies, and also forages in continuous flight over open country. Frequently works edges of wetlands, floodplains, and burned areas where insects are concentrated.
