Spectacular Bee-Eater Birds Grace Israeli Skies This Fall

Autumn migration is in full swing across Israel, with millions of birds passing through the country. Among them is the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), described as one of Israel's most beautiful and colorful birds. These birds, which spend their summers in Israel, are now heading south to Africa for the winter and will return in the spring.

The European Bee-eater is common in northern and central Israel, from Be'er Sheva northward. During migration, they can be seen in flocks throughout the country, emitting a distinctive hoarse whistling sound. Their striking colors make them a favorite subject for nature photographers. The species is also found in southern and central Europe and is named for its diet, which includes bees.

For those wishing to observe colorful birds during winter, Israel is also home to two other bee-eater species. The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is prevalent in the desert regions, displaying magnificent blue-green plumage. A rarer species, the European Green Bee-eater, also spends only the summer months in Israel, found locally along the Syrian-African Rift Valley.