Bee-eater

🔍 Overview

A spectacular Mediterranean visitor that is becoming more regular in the UK. Occasionally breeds and increasingly reported on passage in Sussex. Bred once in 1955 in our area.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Rainbow plumage with blue, yellow, chestnut

Long, curved bill

Graceful, swallow-like flight

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Most sightings occur May–June and late summer, often over coastal hills like Seaford, Beachy Head, or inland chalk areas. Sussex had breeding attempts recently.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Flutey “prruup” calls in flight. Often seen hawking insects high overhead in sunny weather, or perched on telegraph wires.