The white-throated bee-eater is a species of bee-eater that breeds in semi-desert along the southern edge of the Sahara. The white-throated bee-eater is migratory, wintering in a completely different habitat in the equatorial rain forests of Africa from southern Senegal to Uganda.
Region
Sahel to equatorial Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds in semi-desert and dry savanna along the southern edge of the Sahara, especially across the Sahel. During the non-breeding season it moves to equatorial Africa, frequenting forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth from southern Senegal to Uganda and beyond. It favors open habitats with scattered trees or shrubs for perching and sallying after flying insects. Nesting occurs in colonies on sandy banks, road cuts, or flat sandy ground where burrows can be excavated.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This graceful bee-eater breeds along the Sahel’s semi-deserts and open savannas, then migrates to equatorial Africa’s rainforests for the non-breeding season. It often nests colonially in burrows excavated in sandy banks and uses cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting pairs. Like other bee-eaters, it deftly removes stingers from bees and wasps by striking them on a perch before swallowing.
Male in flight
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms small to large colonies during breeding and may use cooperative breeding with helpers assisting at nests. Pairs excavate burrows in sandy substrates where 4–6 eggs are laid. Outside the breeding season it gathers in loose flocks that roost communally and forage together.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, liquid trills and rolling pree-eep notes while in flight or perched. Calls are bright, ringing, and carry well over open country, often exchanged between flock members.
