## Being a bee-eater can be fancy!

Bee-eaters are moderately large birds (depending on the species, they reach 6 to 14 inches) that can be found in tropical and subtropical areas of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are predominantly brilliant green with additional red, yellow, purple, and blue tones.

The birds use their strong, medium-length, pointed beaks to catch insects — mostly bees (hence the name) and wasps. Bee-eaters are fierce hunters, able to catch their meal mid-air. They are very social. Their colonies are large, usually with over 100 members, sometimes as many as 200 if the conditions permit it. Scientists believe bee-eaters can recognize their keen — parents and siblings — by voice.