Southern Carmine Bee-eater

Identification

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater is a strikingly colourful bird, living up to its family's reputation for vibrant plumage. As its name suggests, this species is predominantly carmine (a deep crimson-red) in colour throughout most of its body. However, it can be distinguished from its close relative, the Northern Carmine Bee-eater, by its blue crown and blue undertail coverts, which provide an elegant contrast to the dominant carmine colouration. Like all bee-eaters, this species is richly adorned, making it a jewel among African birds.

Range & habitat

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater is found across sub-equatorial Africa, with a range extending from KwaZulu-Natal and Namibia in the south to Gabon, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya in the north. This species is highly migratory, following a predictable seasonal pattern. Birds breed in Zimbabwe and Zambia between August and November, then migrate southward to South Africa for the southern summer months. From March to August, the population shifts northward to Equatorial Africa.

In terms of habitat preferences, these bee-eaters favour low-altitude river valleys and floodplains. When breeding, they require vertical earthen banks suitable for tunnelling, though they will readily dig vertical burrows in the level surfaces of small salt islands. The species is highly sociable year-round, gathering in large flocks both during and outside the breeding season, roosting communally in trees or reedbeds while dispersing widely during daylight hours to forage.

Behaviour & diet

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater's diet consists primarily of bees and other flying insects, which they capture using their characteristic hawking technique—sallying out from a perch to snatch prey in mid-air. Their hunting perches are remarkably varied, ranging from branches and vegetation to the backs of large animals such as kori bustards. This adaptability extends to their interactions with other wildlife; they are frequently observed circling around larger animals and even vehicles to catch insects flushed by movement.

These birds are particularly attracted to wildfires, where they gather to exploit the abundance of insects driven into the air by smoke and flames. They are often seen circling high in the air during these events, taking advantage of the concentrated food source. Breeding occurs in burrows at the end of tunnels measuring 1 to 2 metres long, dug into earthen banks. Clutches typically contain between 2 and 5 eggs.

Best time & places to see it

The best time and location to encounter Southern Carmine Bee-eaters depends on the season. During the breeding season (August to November), visit Zimbabwe and Zambia where large flocks gather. For southern summer viewing, South Africa offers opportunities from December onwards. Those travelling in Equatorial Africa between March and August may find the species in Gabon, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya. River valleys and floodplains are your most productive habitats, particularly where vertical banks suitable for nesting are present. Early mornings and late afternoons, when birds are most active, offer the best viewing opportunities.

Photography tips

Photographing Southern Carmine Bee-eaters requires patience and positioning. Since they hawk insects from perches, positioning yourself near likely perching spots—such as dead branches overlooking water or vegetation—increases your chances of capturing flight sequences. The birds' brilliant carmine and blue plumage photographs beautifully in good light, so aim for early morning or late afternoon golden hour when possible. Their habit of circling high in the air during wildfires or around moving animals presents challenges, but a telephoto lens (at least 400mm equivalent) is essential for distant birds. The striking colour contrast between their carmine bodies and blue crown and undertail makes even distant shots visually compelling. Patience near communal roosts at dawn or dusk may reward you with flock photography opportunities.