The European bee-eater is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family, Meropidae. It breeds in southern and Central Europe, northern and Southern Africa, and Western Asia. Except for the resident southern African population, the species is strongly migratory, wintering in tropical Africa. They eat insects, especially bees, wasps, and hornets. They catch insects in flight, in sorties from an open perch. 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. Pairs remain together throughout their lifespan. They can live up to six years. They may be killed by raptors. European bee-eaters are prone to parasites due to nesting in burrows. Because of this, they need to preen, bath, and clean themselves often. They also take dust-baths.
European bee-eater migrate to India mostly in Jan-May
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