Photo 228019, (c) 116916927065934112165, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by 116916927065934112165

Attribution © 116916927065934112165
some rights reserved
Uploaded by muir muir
Source Google
Original https://picasaweb.google.com/116916927065934112165/GabonBiodiversity#5822150053575841762
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Rosy Bee-Eater (Merops malimbicus)

Observer

muir

Date

December 5, 2012 09:40 AM CET

Description

Sand nest colony. I had no idea that some bee-eaters nest in burrows on level ground, having seen only cliff and embankment burrows previously. I would have thought the mortality risk of snakes, mongooses, intense rainfall, trampling by buffalo, etc, would be too great, but apparently not. Really neat to see. Last three photos are from a second colony that was roadside (we did not walk up onto the colony).

A short BBC clip with a rosy bee-eater cleaning a burrow entrance.

Associated taxa
Sizes