Breeding European Bee-eaters in 2024-2025

 

The European Bee-eater Merops apiaster is a migratory bird, returning to France in mid-April. Strictly Mediterranean until a few decades ago, it has since colonised a large part of the country.

 

Outside the Mediterranean zone, it generally establishes its colonies along the sandy banks of rivers, in the face of sandpits or coarse sand deposits. The nest is at the bottom of a burrow that the bird digs with its beak and feet.

 

Image caption: European Bee-eater. © David Cousson

 

Map based on collective data from Faune-France and its partners. No use authorised without the prior consent of the LPO.