The **Southern Carmine Bee-eater** (*Merops nubicoides*) is a striking avian spectacle found across sub-equatorial Africa. Here are some key details about this vibrant bird:
1. **Appearance**:
– Plumage: Predominantly rich carmine (reddish-pink) with a contrasting blue crown and undertail.
– Features: Slender body, long pointed tail, black bill, and a black facial mask.
– Immature birds are duller and have shorter tails¹².
2. **Range and Movements**:
– Occurs from KwaZulu-Natal and Namibia to Gabon, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya.
– Migratory species: Breeds in Zimbabwe and Zambia (August to November), then moves south to South Africa for summer. Migrates to Equatorial Africa from March to August¹.
3. **Diet and Foraging**:
– Primarily feeds on bees and other flying insects.
– Hunts by hawking flying insects from perches (including branches or even large animals like kori bustards).
– Attracted to wildfires due to flushed insects and often seen circling high in the air¹.
4. **Habitat and Breeding**:
– Prefers low-altitude river valleys, floodplains, and vertical banks suitable for tunneling during breeding.
– Sociable species: Forms large flocks year-round.
– Nests in 1 to 2-meter-long burrows in earthen banks, laying 2 to 5 eggs¹.
In summary, the Southern Carmine Bee-eater is a stunning bird known for its vivid colors and graceful flight. 🐦🌟