Birds › African savanna › Little Bee-eater

Little Bee-eater

Merops pusillus

Catches bees in the air, then beats them against a branch to remove the sting before swallowing.

Where to see it for real: Sits low on grass stems and bush twigs across sub-Saharan Africa.

Spot it in the game

Lives in the African savanna habitat (Southern and East Africa, at sunset).

Little Bee-eater facts

Family

Bee-eaters

Length

6.3 in (16 cm)

Weight

0.5 oz (14 g)

Diet

Bees, wasps and other flying insects.

Range

Grassland and savanna across sub-Saharan Africa.

Nest

A tunnel dug into a sandy bank.

Song

Soft "tsip" calls.

Active

by day

Status

Least Concern on the IUCN Red List: widespread and not at risk.

More birds of the African savanna

Lilac-breasted RollerAfrican savannaSuperb StarlingAfrican savannaSouthern Yellow-billed HornbillAfrican savannaSouthern Masked WeaverAfrican savannaHelmeted GuineafowlAfrican savannaGray Go-away-birdAfrican savanna