Swallow-tailed Bee-eater

Merops hirundineus

The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater is a striking bird with a long, slender body, vibrant plumage, and distinctive tail streamers. This species is known for its acrobatic aerial foraging, catching flying insects in mid-air with impressive precision. Found in sub-Saharan Africa, the Swallow-tailed Bee-eater typically nests in colonies on riverbanks or cliffs, digging burrows for their nests. Their diet primarily consists of bees, wasps, and other flying insects. This bird is a highly social species, often seen in large flocks during the breeding season. The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater's striking appearance and graceful flight make it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Habitat: Riverbanks, cliffs, open woodland

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
© Pobpob11 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tours where you can spot this bird

14-Day Senegal and Gambia Combined Birdwatching Trip with Turaco Birding
14-Day Senegal and Gambia Combined Birdwatching Trip with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / Senegal and The Gambia Private tour 14 days | 0h

A combined 14-day Senegambia birdwatching trip linking Turaco Birding routes in The Gambia and Senegal....

From 0.00 USD
10-Day Senegal Birdwatching Trip with Turaco Birding
10-Day Senegal Birdwatching Trip with Turaco Birding
Senegal / Senegal Private tour 10 days | 0h

An all-inclusive 10-day Senegal birdwatching trip operated by Turaco Birding from its Senegambia birding program....

From 0.00 USD
10-Day Birdwatching Trip in The Gambia with Turaco Birding
10-Day Birdwatching Trip in The Gambia with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / The Gambia Private tour 10 days | 0h

An all-inclusive 10-day Turaco Birding trip through The Gambia for coastal, wetland, river and up-country birding....

From 0.00 USD
Full-Day Gambia Birdwatching Trips with Turaco Birding
Full-Day Gambia Birdwatching Trips with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / Greater Banjul Coast Private tour 11h

A full-day Turaco Birding option from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM combining coastal forests, wetlands, creeks and woodland sites....

From 0.00 USD
Half-Day Coastal Birdwatching Trips with Turaco Birding
Half-Day Coastal Birdwatching Trips with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / Greater Banjul Coast Private tour 5.5h

A half-day private birdwatching option covering Abuko, Farasutu, Brufut Woods, Pirang/Bonto, Kartong, Kotu Creek or Marakissa....

From 0.00 USD
Tendaba and Basse 4-Day Birding Excursion with Turaco Birding
Tendaba and Basse 4-Day Birding Excursion with Turaco Birding
The Gambia / Tendaba and Basse Private tour 4 days | 0h

A four-day Turaco Birding route from the coast toward Tendaba and Basse for river, woodland and up-country birding....

From 0.00 USD
Southern Africa Birding Expedition: Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls
Southern Africa Birding Expedition: Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls
Namibia / Walvis Bay Group tour 18 days | 0h

This birdwatching journey through Namibia, the Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls combines southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes with e...

From 10206.00 USD