The Southern carmine bee-eater is found from Tanzania south
to Botswana, Zimbabwe and surrounds, where it occurs mainly in savanna. It feeds
exclusively on insects generally larger than that of other bea-eaters, such as
termite alates, cicadas and locusts. It lives in huge colonies of 100-1000
nests, dug into riverbanks and gullies. The nest is excavated by both sexes, and
consists of a 1-3.5 m long tunnel, ending in an unlined nest chamber. It lays
1-6 eggs, which are incubated by both sexes, for 11-13 days. The chicks stay in
the nest for 11-20 days, and are brooded continuously by both parents for the
whole nestling period.
Distribution and habitat
Endemic to sub-Saharan Africa,
occurring from Tanzania south to north-eastern Namibia (including the Caprivi
Strip), northern and eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and north-eastern South Africa. Here
it is locally common in savanna, swamps with scattered dead trees and cultivated
land, especially in areas surrounding rivers and lakes.
It feeds exclusively on insects, which are generally larger
than the prey of other bee-eaters. Does most of its foraging aerially, often
flying long distances to take advantage of eruptions in insect population. It is
quick to take advantage of bushfires, catching the insects as they flee. The following prey
items have been recorded in its diet:
It is monogamous, living and breeding in huge colonies of 100 to 1000
nests. It may rarely change the colony site, sometimes moving 7 km's in the
process.
The nest is excavated by both sexes, consisting of a 1-3.5 m long
tunnel ending in an unlined nest chamber. It is usually dug into sandy
riverbanks, ditches or sloping ground.
Egg-laying season is year-round, peaking from September-October.
It lays 1-6 eggs, which are incubated by both sexes, for 11-13 days.
The chicks stay in the nest for 11-20 days, and are brooded continuously
by both parents for the whole nestling period.
Threats
Not threatened, although shot by farmers who consider them
pests.
References
Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ and Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Roberts
- Birds of southern Africa, VIIth ed. The Trustees of the John Voelcker
Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.
