The northern carmine bee-eater is a social bird that forages for flying insects, in particular, bees and wasps. It often pursues insects fleeing a fire or flushed out of the grass by cattle or game. Before eating a bee, the bird beats and rubs it against a perch to remove the venom and stinger.
Northern Carmine Bee-eater
Merops nubicus
Fact File
Where to see them: Wings of the World
Length: 6.5 to 13.5 in
Weight: Up to 3 oz
Habitat: Savanna and woodland
Diet: Honeybees and other insects
