Bee-eater
Scientific Name: Merops apiasterMaltese Name: Qerd in-Nahal
Family: Bee-eater (Meropidae)
Occurence: Common Migrant, Localised Breeder
Breeds in Malta: Yes
Breeding Frequency: Rare & Localised
Overview:
Rather small or thrush sized, slim birds with slender, pointed, downcurved bill, long, pointed wings and long tail. It is rich in exotic colours and bright plumage.
Specialist in catching flying insects. Has very social habits, often seen in flocks, breed in colonies. Its nest consists in a hole dug in a sand bank. Has a very particular call, often revealing the presence of flocks high up in the sky. Their call is a frequently repeated, soft rolling "prruut".
Status and Distribution:
Common Migrant with large flocks seen daily in autumn and spring. Very localised breeder, 1-2 pairs were confirmed breeding in one locality in mainland Malta in 2009, where it is thought they also had bred in previous years.
When to See:
Spring and Autumn
Where to See:
During migration may be seen passing over in flocks from anywhere. Best place to see in Autumn is Buskett.
Photographs:
 |
| Adult Bee-eater in Flight, Dwejra Malta |
 |
 |
| 2 Bee-eaters on one of their favourite perches; wires, Buskett | Flock of Bee-eaters, Simar Nature Reserve |
 |
| Adult Bee-eater, Dwejra Malta |
 |
 |
| Bee-eaters on wires, Mtahleb | Flock of Bee-eaters, Buskett |
Listen to Bee-eater:
Back to Bird Species List