Is rainbow bee-eater native to Australia?
The Rainbow Bee-eater is found throughout mainland Australia, as well as eastern Indonesia, New Guinea and, rarely, the Solomon Islands. In Australia it is widespread, except in desert areas, and breeds throughout most of its range, although southern birds move north to winter over.
Does a Bee-eater eat bees?
As their name suggests, bee-eaters predominantly eat flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which are caught on the wing from an open perch. The insect’s stinger is removed by repeatedly hitting and rubbing the insect on a hard surface.
What kind of bees do bee-eaters eat?
As is suggested by its name, Bee-eater predominantly eats flying insects – particularly bees (honey bees and bumble bees), wasps and hornets, but also dragonflies and other larger insects.
How big is a rainbow bee-eater?
0.71 – 1.2 ozRainbow bee-eater / Mass
What eats a Rainbow Bee-eater?
Dingos (Canis familiaris dingo), monitor lizards (Varanus varius), yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus fiavipes), and cane toads (Rhinella marina) are the most significant predators for rainbow bee-eaters. These predators mainly prey on eggs and chicks.
Do snakes eat bee-eater birds?
European Bee-Eaters are occasionally eaten by raptors and their eggs and baby birds in the nest are sometimes consumed by reptiles and snakes.
How long do bee-eater birds live?
six years
European bee-eaters are monogamous birds. Pairs remain together throughout their lifespan. They can live up to six years.
How do bee-eaters mate?
Courtship interactions occur at the roosting colony and on the feeding territory. At the start of courtship both birds are excluded by their families; as they form a pair-bond, the female usually becomes accepted into the male’s family group. After mating, males spend most of day guarding female from other males.
How many bees can a Bee-eater eat?
Before eating a bee, the European bee-eater removes the sting by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface. It can eat around 250 bees a day.