bee-eater

/bee"ee'teuhr/, n.

any of several colorful birds of the family Meropidae, of the Old World tropics, that feed on bees and other insects.

[1660-70]

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Any of about 25 species of brightly coloured birds (family Meropidae) that feed on bees, wasps, and other insects.

They are found throughout tropical and subtropical Eurasia, Africa, and Australasia (one species occasionally reaches the British Isles). Bee-eaters range in length from 6 to 14 in. (15–35 cm). Their bill is moderately long, slightly downcurved, and pointed. Their brilliant plumage is usually predominantly green, but many species are partially coloured with red, yellow, blue, or purple.

Bee-eater (Merops apiaster).

S.C. Porter

Bruce Coleman Ltd.

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▪ bird

 any of about 25 species of brightly coloured birds of the family Meropidea (order Coraciiformes). Found throughout tropical and subtropical Eurasia, Africa, and Australasia (one species, Merops apiaster, occasionally reaches the British Isles), bee-eaters range in length from 15 to 35 cm (6 to 14 inches).

 The bee-eater's bill is moderately long, slightly downcurved, and sharply pointed. Brilliant plumage is characteristic; green predominates, but many species are partially coloured with red, yellow, blue, or purple. Many have elongated central tail feathers. Bee-eaters feed on bees, wasps, and other insects.

 

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