Bee-eater

The genus Merops belongs to the order Coraciiformes and the family Meropidae. These birds are specialized aerial hunters, highly adapted to catching insects in flight. While they are often considered beneficial in broad agriculture for controlling various insect pests, they pose a significant challenge to professional beekeepers.

The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is the most notable species regarding its interaction with apiaries. These birds nest in large colonies, digging burrows in sandy banks or embankments. During the nesting season, their appetite for insects increases significantly, leading them to frequently target apiaries where the density of honeybees is high.

The damage caused by these birds is direct, as they consume large numbers of honeybees. This predation leads to reduced colony strength, decreased honey production, and the loss of queens during mating flights. In areas with high bird density, a beekeeper may observe reduced foraging activity, as bees become reluctant to leave the safety of their hives when predators are present.

In terms of biology, bee-eaters are highly skilled predators. They catch bees in mid-air and typically return to a perch to strike the bee against a hard surface. This behavior effectively removes the stinger and venom, allowing the bird to safely consume hundreds of bees in a single day without any ill effects.

Defensive measures must be balanced with the conservation status of these birds, as they are often legally protected. Effective non-lethal deterrents include the use of acoustic devices that broadcast predator calls, reflective materials that disrupt the birds' flight path, or physical barriers like netting placed over hive areas. Proactive site selection for apiaries away from known nesting cliffs is also recommended.