Apr 29, 2025
Bee eater on a cattle skull By: Eric Hosking From: Life Nature Library: Eurasia 1964
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Bee eater on a cattle skull By: Eric Hosking From: Life Nature Library: Eurasia 1964
the southern carmine bee-eater is a colorful member of the bee-eater family endemic to sub-equatorial africa. they can be differentiated from the similar northern carmine bee-eater by their lack of a blue throat. as their name suggest, they primarily feed on flying insects with a preference for bees. they typically feed by swooping from a perch to catch an insect in flight. they are attracted to the insects displaced into the air during wildfires, and can be found actively feeding around fires.
Rainbow Bee-eater, Perth WA.
Coraciiformes order
Which is the best bird?
Long-tailed ground roller
European roller
European bee-eater
Trinidad motmot
Pitta-like ground roller
Jamaican tody
Lilac-breasted roller
Cuban tody
Common kingfisher
Bee-eater - Abelharuco (Merops apiaster)
Salvaterra de Magos/Portugal (22/04/2026)
[Nikon D500; AF-S Nikkor 600mm F/4E FL ED VR with Nikon AF-S TC-17E II]
🐦Bee-eater "The flight of the bee-eater reminds you not to fear your colors — they are what lead you to freedom."
Symbol of Beauty, Freedom, and Creative Expression The bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is a vividly colorful, exotic bird—like a living brushstroke of nature’s most vibrant palette. Its symbolism is deeply connected to the energies of communication, creativity, and joy. The bee-eater is not only visually unique, but also in its behavior: it is social, cooperative, and playfully spirited.
Spiritually, the bee-eater represents those moments in life when we dare to be colorful—when we express ourselves, our feelings, and our ideas without fear. It invites us to share our authentic voice, to sing what’s in our heart, even if others don’t immediately understand the melody.
The bee-eater is a bird of freedom, showing us that true happiness comes when we live in harmony with our natural rhythm and courageously embrace our uniqueness. Its diet of bees (which in many cultures symbolize the soul or divine messages) adds spiritual depth: the bee-eater becomes a messenger of higher guidance, bringing intuition and joy into our lives.
What Might It Be Telling You? Be brave when you are different. Show your colors, and seek those who appreciate your shine. The community that truly belongs to you will arrive.
Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)
Photos by John Anderson