European Bee-Eaters (Fast and Fierce as The Missile) скачать в хорошем качестве

European Bee-Eaters (Fast and Fierce as The Missile)

The European Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) also known as Eurasian or Golden Bee-eaters are among the most colorful of all the bee-eater birds with abundant populations in arid (dry) and semi-arid areas of southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Bee-eaters were mentioned throughout history in myth and legend. European bee-eaters display little sexual dimorphism, so it can be difficult to tell males and females apart. Females are slightly more greenish rather than yellow on their upperparts. The European Bee-eaters measure 25 - 29 cm in length (including the two elongated central tail feathers) and have a wingspan of 36 - 40 cm. Their average weight is 55 g. European Bee-eaters are commonly found near freshwater systems and inhabit forests, savannas, shrublands, grasslands, and farmlands. Their nesting situation is quite peculiar: they dig burrows into the flat or sloping sandy ground, mainly in earthen cliffs. The birds remove between 7 and 12 kg of earth from the burrow, and the process can last between 10 and 20 days. The burrow is about 70-150 cm long, with an oval section of 7 x 9 cm. These birds play an important role as ecosystem engineers, especially in arid regions. During their nest-burrowing activities, they can remove up to twelve kilograms of soil. This bioturbation has a major effect on the ecosystem as it alters the environment for other species. Nutrients from the removed soil are made available for other organisms. Abandoned burrows are often used by other species for nesting, roosting, and shelter. European bee-eaters are prone to parasites due to nesting in burrows. Because of this, they need to preen, bathe, and clean themselves often. They also take dust-baths. European bee-eaters breed in Southern Europe and parts of Asia. As the breeding season ends around the latter half of July, they begin their migration south, trading the harsh Northern hemisphere winters for the warm, pleasant summers of Southern Africa. As the weather starts cooling in the Southern hemisphere around April, they make their way back to Europe before the next breeding season. Some resident groups avoid migration entirely as they have established small breeding populations in South Africa. Like all birds, European bee-eaters perceive their environment through visual, auditory, tactile, and chemical stimuli. As is suggested by its name, the European Bee-eater predominantly eats flying insects - particularly bees (honey bees and bumblebees), wasps and hornets, but also dragonflies and other larger insects. They feed on about 250 bees a day. They typically feed in open or at least semi-open countries. European bee-eaters are migratory, diurnal birds that spend most of their time foraging for food. They swoop in from an elevated perch and catch their prey in flight. They then fly back to the perch where they repeatedly thrash the insect against a branch or rub it against a twig until the sting is removed. They are also able to regurgitate indigestible parts as pellets. Their long, curved beaks are sharp and perfect for keeping prey in a tight grip. They have sharp claws for perching on trees and on vertical surfaces where they excavate their burrows. They have excellent eyesight, which is necessary for precision when catching insects. They are also agile birds, able to move swiftly when hunting. Their wide, somewhat pointy wings and aerodynamic build make them perfectly suited for long-distance flight. European bee-eaters are monogamous birds. Pairs remain together throughout their lifespan. They can live up to six years. The beginning of the breeding season is marked by elaborate courtship rituals with an array of aerial and vocal displays, and even some dance-like movements while on a perch. Through the medley of color and song, the male also comes bearing gifts of food which he feeds to the female. The female lays up to ten eggs which are incubated by both birds. And after a twenty-day incubation period, the altricial chicks hatch naked and blind. Luckily the mother bird has plenty of help, as her mate and even other members of the colony often pitch in with feeding and care. European bee-eaters' nests may be raided by rats and snakes, and the adults are hunted by birds of prey. Bee-eaters get a lot of bad press in the bee-keeping world. This results in large numbers of Bee-eaters being illegally killed by hive owners. In reality, a beehive could also benefit from a Bee-eater, as it feeds on hornets and wasps as well, which predate on bees. European Bee-eater is locally widespread in most parts of the range. However, this species is threatened by hunting as a pest or for consumption, by the use of pesticides involving heavy declines in insects populations, also by canalization of rivers with loss of sandy banks nesting sites, and human developments and disturbances. But this species is considered as Least Concern at this moment. #Nature #Grassland #Bumblebee