White-fronted Bee-eater

The White-fronted Bee-eater is a medium-sized, sociable bee-eater closely tied to river valleys, where it nests in dense colonies in sandy banks.

Appearance

• White forehead and a broad black mask through the eye
• Bright crimson-red throat patch bordered below by a pale sky-blue band
• Green back and wings, cinnamon-buff belly
• Blue rump, visible in flight
• Slightly notched tail

Sexes are similar; juveniles show a duller throat patch and less contrast overall.

Key field marks

• White forehead band contrasting with the black facial mask
• Deep red (crimson) throat patch edged with pale blue
• Green upperparts with a buffy-cinnamon belly and blue rump

Similar species

• Carmine Bee-eaters lack the white forehead and have overall pink-red body plumage rather than green with a red throat patch.
• Little Bee-eater is much smaller with a yellow, not red, throat.
• The white forehead combined with the crimson throat patch is unique among African bee-eaters.

Range

Found across East and southern Africa, from Kenya and Uganda south through Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana to South Africa.

Habitat

Closely associated with rivers and lakes bordered by open woodland or savanna, since it needs vertical sandy banks for nest burrows; also uses road cuttings and quarries.

Movements

Largely resident near permanent water, though some local dispersal occurs outside the breeding season.

Behavior

Highly social, living in colonies of dozens to hundreds of pairs that dig burrows into cliffs and banks; family groups often include non-breeding helpers that assist in feeding chicks.

Voice

A nasal, burry "gooor" or "quop" contact call, often given in chorus by colony members, plus various chattering notes at the colony.

Feeding

Catches bees, wasps, and other flying insects in swooping sallies from an exposed perch, beating prey on the perch before eating it.

Nesting

Excavates long tunnel nests (up to 1–2 m) into sandy riverbanks or cliffs; breeding is cooperative, with related helpers assisting the breeding pair, and colonies can be dense and long-lived.