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Birdle

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White-throated Bee-eater

White-throated Bee-eater

Merops albicollis

A dazzling bird with a white throat, black-and-white striped head, green upperparts, and elongated central tail feathers, the White-throated Bee-eater inhabits savannas and forest edges across sub-Saharan Africa. It catches bees and wasps on the wing, beating them against a branch to remove the stinger before swallowing. It nests in colonies, digging tunnels into sandy banks.

Fun Fact

White-throated Bee-eaters catch bees mid-flight, then bash them against a branch and squeeze out the venom before eating — nature's own bee de-stinger.

Attributes

TypeSongbird
Habitatgrassland, tropical
SizeSmall
Dietinsects
FlightStandard
Colorsgreen, white, black
MigratoryYes
ContinentsAfrica
Nest Typeburrow
ConservationLeast Concern
Difficulty: hard