The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) — a colourful summer migrant in Lebanon, possibly a breeder — is too often shot under the false claim that it harms bees.
The European Bee-eater — known in English as the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) — is a common migrant in Lebanon. Its presence has recently been recorded in several Lebanese areas in summer, raising the possibility that it may also breed in the country.
This bird is distinguished by its bright plumage: its back and wings wear shades of brown, yellow, black, and green; its throat is yellow; and the underparts are turquoise blue.
The bee-eater is famous for distinctive nesting: it digs burrows in sandy or soft soil banks that become tunnel-like nests. These nests are carefully made, with a chamber for eggs and another for waste, keeping the nesting area clean.
Its diet consists mainly of flying insects — especially bees, wasps, dragonflies, and butterflies. It catches them in flight, often with dazzling aerobatics that make its presence in the sky all the more spectacular.
Citing its feeding on bees, some hunters and beekeepers kill it. Studies, however, show that bees form only a small share of its diet, and that it often targets weaker individuals, which can strengthen the hive. It also takes wasps that seriously harm bees, thus contributing to a natural balance.
The European Bee-eater is a valuable addition to biodiversity and draws bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers alike.
