Least Concern Birds

Southern Carmine Bee Eater

Merops nubicoides

Southern Carmine Bee Eater, a bird eating flying insects in African savannas.

Scientific name	Merops nubicoides
Swahili name	Mchawi mwekundu
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Meropidae
Size	Male: approximately 28-34 cm, weight about 55-70 grams; female: similar size, slightly lighter

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How to identify

Entire body covered with bright carmine red feathers; blue-green iridescence on crown and back; black mask-like stripe across the eyes; long, slender black bill; central tail feathers slightly elongated

Habitat

Open sparsely wooded grasslands, valleys, bushes, and sandy riverbank cliffs

Diet

Primarily feeds on flying insects, especially bees, wasps, and other flying insects

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, particularly frequent foraging in early morning and late afternoon

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia; commonly seen in Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Observe at dawn or dusk in open areas or near riverbanks, paying attention to its aerial insect hunting techniques

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture hunting moments in flight, utilizing natural light to highlight its vivid plumage

Threats

Habitat destruction and pesticide use leading to prey decline

Similar species

Similar to the Red-throated Bee-eater (Merops nubicus), but the Southern Carmine Bee-eater is more brightly colored, slightly larger, with a more pronounced blue-green iridescence on the back

📖 how to spot the southern carmine bee eater on safari