Despite occasional variations in eye color, the physical traits of both male and female members of this species bear striking resemblance to each other. With its vibrant coloration and impressive size, this bird stands out as the most stunningly beautiful among its peers.
Meet the Northern Carmine Bee-eater
The Merops nubicus, also referred to as M. n. nubicus, is a stunning bird that feeds on bees and is indigenous to Africa. This member of the Meropidae family stands out with its brilliantly coloured feathers, primarily in a carmine hue with a green-blue head, throat, and a distinct black mask. With their slender bodies, striking crimson eyes, and sharp black beak, they can perch effortlessly on tall surfaces thanks to their sharp claws.
While it is possible for their eye color to differ, the physical appearances of both male and female members of this species are quite similar. In some cases, the males may have slightly longer tail-streamers than their female counterparts.
The Northern Carmine Bee-eater resides in a vast region of central and northern Africa, which encompasses countries like Benin, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Its diet mainly consists of bees, but it also preys on other airborne insects such as ants, grasshoppers, and locusts. These birds commonly perch on branches and keep a watchful eye for any passing insects that they can swiftly catch while in mid-air.
The avians construct flat burrows that can stretch up to eight feet in their large communities, usually located on cliffs or near rivers. The female can lay up to five eggs per brood, and both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing duties. The young are almost fully developed after 21 to 32 days, and the mother and father take care of their offspring by providing food until they are capable of hunting independently.
The population of this bird is unlikely to decrease in the near future as it has a vast habitat range.