Rainbow Bee-eater

Scientific Name: 

Merops ornatus

Audio: 

Another top five favourite. These beautifully coloured birds are the gymnasts of the bird world, performing the most graceful aerobatic displays in pursuit of insects. They roost in huge noisy flocks in the mahoganies each year, but nest in the ground when breeding. They are cooperative breeders, meaning that younger females help parents to raise juveniles. Often seen in pairs perched on fences and power lines while hunting.

Rainbow Bee-eater