No. 5. Bee-eaters and Rollers



(Note: click on Photos to enlarge the image)


It's a sure sign of summer when we hear the arrival of the European Bee-eater. The bird's soft but distinct fluting call is often heard long before we are able to see them, but we can usually get sightings of individuals, or even large flocks, by the end of April or early May.


European Bee-eaters - brightening up the power lines

There are two species of Bee-eater that are seen in Cyprus as they make the annual migration trips between Africa and Central and Eastern Europe. The commonest and most frequently seen species is the European Bee-eater. The plumage is exotic with a blue underbelly, chestnut/red head, golden brown back, yellow and white throat and black eye stripe. The beak is black, long and curved.

European Bee-eater - waiting for lunch

The second species is the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. This is a bright green bird with rusty-red underwings, red-brown throat patch and pale blue markings above the black eye stripe. Both species have distinct narrow tail projections, which make for easy identification.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, just arrived 

Bee-eaters generally only feed on flying insects which they will catch with the tip of their beaks. Smaller prey are eaten on the wing but larger insects are returned to the perch where they are killed and eaten.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater adult


Blue-cheeked Bee-eater - having a stretch

There is historically some controversy over the impact that Bee-eaters have on cultivated bee populations. Undoubtedly the birds will feed on such bees but they also feed on many other insects, including species of wasps that can inflict harm on bee hives and bee species. Without the Bee-eaters contribution current opinion is that the predatory insects would have a devastating effect on hive populations.

Proof that they don't just eat bees!

The European Roller is a summer migrant that crosses the Sahara to reach here from S.Africa. It is another spectacular blue bird, about the size of a Jackdaw, and is a species of global conservation concern.

European roller


It is invariably seen perching on the top of trees, shrubs, telephone wires or on bare, rocky features such as on road cuttings.  Its strong beak is slightly hooked (like a Shrike's bill) and it feeds on large insects, small reptiles  and amphibia.

Roller - note the Shrike-like beak


Monitoring studies have shown that the breeding population of Rollers in Cyprus comprises about 3% of the total European breeding population. Unfortunately recent research also indicates that there has been a rapid decline in the Cypriot Roller population over recent years, particularly in the Paphos area, which is the most important breeding area for this species on the island. Nesting sites are commonly cavities in old rural buildings and in previously used sites in hollow trees.

The spectacular flight of the Roller



All photographs and text by Trevor Fordham

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