The Merops nubicus (scientific name) or Carmine bee-eater has 2 species, the Southern Carmine and the Northern Carmine bee-eater which are separated by 2,000 km of warm dry area. This bird is found in huge colonies in sand cliffs along the river and the savannah woodlands of countries in Central Africa and Southern parts of Africa. With a height of 10.5 inches, the Carmine bee-eater has bright carmine coloured plumage all over, except for the crown and undertail coverts, which are blue. Its tail feathers are elongated. Like other bee-eaters its diet is comprised of flying insects which it catches out of the air with its beak. An average clutch has 2-5 eggs which are incubated for 21 days. Its IUCN listing is the LEAST CONCERN.
Carmine Bee-eater
