There are many moments in my guiding career that I will never forget – some of them big, like seeing a lioness carrying a cub for the first time, or witnessing my first kill, or even the first time I saw a pangolin. But there are also many smaller moments that remind me just how much I love doing what I do, like seeing a guest see a giraffe for the first time or the time we saw a monkey fall out of a tree in such a comical way it left the whole vehicle in stitches of laughter. But the one moment that will stick with me forever is the first time I heard the call of a European Bee-eater returning from its migration. It truly wasn’t the most spectacular moment, yet somehow it made me smile, and for that reason, it became my favourite bird call, since then every year around this time I keep a keen ear out to listen for when it returns from its migration north.
The European Bee-eater is not the only Bee-eater we see here at Londolozi, there are in fact four different types to be seen. The other three being: The Southern Carmine, Little and White-fronted Bee-eater (with the Swallow-tailed being a very rare fifth), all equally beautiful.
A Little Bee-eater
The Little Bee-eater is the world’s smallest Bee-eater and we are lucky enough to see it here throughout the year as it does not migrate. You often see them in pairs or small family parties perched on an open branch more roughly one meter above the ground, where it will sit patiently waiting for passing insects in which to quickly pursue, catch, then often returning to the same perch from which it was patiently waiting. A firm favourite of many as its striking green and yellow plumage adds a lovely splash of colour to the surrounding environment.
White-fronted Bee-eater
With a distinct white and red throat, the White-fronted Bee-eater is also seen here all year-round. At this time of year, I have noticed an increased number of them in and around the camps as many trees and flowers are starting to bloom which attracts bees and other flying insects, which makes up the majority of their food – (hence the name Bee-eaters). They have a rather interesting social structure which ranger Kirst Joscelyne explains in a blog.
Southern Carmine Bee-eater
The Southern Carmine Bee-eater is an intra-African migrant, (meaning that it migrates within Africa) has a striking pinkish-red plumage and also happens to be Africa’s largest bee-eater. They are soon to return from Central Southern Africa (Angola, Zambia, and DRC). These highly gregarious birds are often seen sitting side by side on perches near water sources.
Lastly my favourite, the European bee-eater. Not only do I find the liquid kruup kruup call beautiful, but the stunning turquoise underparts and the bright yellow throat are quite something to marvel at. In fact, quite literally in the last few days, they have returned from their winter migration to Europe, where flocks of anywhere from 20 to 200 birds fly together. This is a sign that summer is officially here. All through summer, you will hear them calling from the skies above as they hunt their prey.
The beautiful European Bee-eater
So next time you are here at Londolozi, make sure to keep a lookout for these four magical birds.
One of my favourite birds, and some times very accommodating to photograph , I must have taken thousands of photos on my trips to Africa but out of the small number on wall, two are bee-eaters
Gorgeous photos, hopefully I’ll see some when I return next month.
Hello Tayla unfortunately I live too north to see bee European bee eaters, I look at all pictures instead they are little jewels. I must say that there are so many striking bird species in Londolozi.
Tayla, thanks for these beautiful pictures. The plumage is magnificent in its coloration.
Tayla these bee-eaters are so colorful and each and everyone of them are special. They also make beautiful sounds. I love the bee-eaters and there were a few of them that flew over our house, you can hear them from far away, how they communicate with each other.
Thanks very much for this article on bee-eaters, all of them also my favorites.
Their colors are just stunning. The more I read and learn about birds in general, the more interesting and amazing I find them.
Fantastic colours of special birds-great images
Oh golly Tyler, I certainly understand where you are coming from ! we have the European bee-eaters migrating over Malta in the spring and the autumn and somehow, that beautiful call of theirs (though they may be almost invisibly high), catches my ear immediately and brings a huge smile to my face. I miss the other bee-eaters but the European Bee Eater gives me such a warm feeling when they stop over here on their way north or south. A very special bird indeed 🙏🏻❤️
Sorry Tayla, my computer seems to insist on changing the spelling of your name 😂
Absolutely beautiful birds! Amazing that some migrate, while others don’t? Interesting article thanks.
Very nice. One of my favorites is the Carmine Bee-eater.
Wonderful blog about the bee eaters Tayla. They are certainly a beautiful little bird with a wonderful song. The only one I haven’t spotted is the white fronted bee eater but my favorite is the Little Bee-eater. The feather colors are so bright and cheerful. I appreciated the photos you included of these little birds as well.
Tayla thanks for doing a blog on birds. The bee eaters are truly a beautiful bird. You have some unique birds in Africa. Enjoyed reading your blog and love the pics. Thanks for sharing.