Although the eye color may vary, the appearance of both male and female individuals of this species is highly alike.
The Northern carmine bee-eater stands out as the most visually captivating member of its species, owing to its impressive size and vibrant coloration, making it exceptionally beautiful.
The African bee-eater species known as the northern carmine bee-eater belongs to the Meropidae family. It is a near passerine bird that exhibits remarkable, vibrant plumage. Predominantly carmine in color, except for its green-blue head, throat, and a distinct black mask, this bird possesses a slender body, a pointed black beak, and striking red eyes. Additionally, it possesses sharp claws that facilitate perching on vertical surfaces.
While the eyes of males and females may exhibit slight color variations, the overall appearance of both genders in this species is remarkably similar. However, it is worth noting that in certain instances, the male’s tail-streamers are slightly longer compared to those of the female.
The range of the Northern carmine bee-eater spans across a significant portion of central and northern Africa, encompassing countries like the Central African Republic, Benin, and Cameroon, where it is indigenous.
As expected, bees constitute a significant portion of the Northern carmine bee-eater’s diet, alongside other airborne insects including ants, grasshoppers, and locusts. The birds adopt a hunting strategy where they perch on branches, attentively scanning the surroundings for flying insects, and swiftly seize their prey mid-flight.
The Northern carmine bee-eaters exhibit a nesting behavior characterized by forming extensive colonies, typically located on cliffs or in proximity to river banks. These colonies feature horizontally excavated nesting tunnels, some measuring up to eight feet or even longer. During the breeding season, the female lays a clutch of up to five eggs. Both parents actively participate in the incubation process and contribute to the upbringing of the hatchlings. After a period of approximately 21 to 32 days, the chicks reach an advanced stage of development and are nearly ready to fly. However, the parents continue to provide nourishment until the young ones are capable of hunting independently.
Due to this bird’s wide range, it is not considered to be under any immediate threat of a decline in population.
