Merops Apiaster Research Articles

Variation of parental and chick diet in opportunistic insectivorous European Bee-eaters

Insectivorous Palaearctic bird species associated with open habitats rely on high prey abundances, which are currently declining due to habitat loss and intensive agricultural practices. The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is an opportunistic insectivore of open habitats, preying mainly on medium to large-sized flying insects. Its diet composition received some attention in the past, but the current variation in diet composition of birds breeding across different habitats, and between adults and chicks remains poorly known. In this study, we determine variation in bee-eaters’ diet in colonies located in five common habitats at the Iberian Peninsula. We also assess differences in the diet composition of chicks and adults and investigate seasonal diet selectivity of adults. Finally, we explore the variability in the size of prey provided to chicks throughout their growth period. Hymenoptera and Coleoptera were the most important groups for bee-eaters, with adults and chicks consuming 58.8% and 64.1% of hymenopterans and 37.6% and 28.6% of coleopterans, respectively. The proportion of Hymenoptera (42.3–55.7%) and Coleoptera (43.3–53.5%) in the diet was similar in colonies in pasture and oak habitats. But Hymenoptera dominated (83.8% and 95.7%) in meadow and mixed forest colonies. Despite being a generally opportunistic predator, adult bee-eaters provide their progeny with an increasing proportion of larger insects through chick development. Moreover, they equally take Hymenoptera and Coleoptera for themselves and their chicks, even when the abundance of these insects decreases seasonally. Overall, these results suggest that local prey availability associated with specific habitats influences diet composition and that regional declines in certain groups may, therefore, affect insectivore species differently according to their dietary and habitat preferences.

Connected impacts: combining migration tracking data with species distribution models reveals the complex potential impacts of climate change on European bee-eaters

Climate change is a key driver of biodiversity loss in multiple ecosystems, which can act at multiple stages of a species life- and annual cycle. Identifying where, when, and how these impacts may happen is key to understanding, and planning for, the population-level effects of climate change. This study assesses how climate change will impact the breeding and non-breeding areas of the European Bee-eater Merops apiaster, a long-distance migratory bird, by combining correlative species distribution models with recent tracking data to account for population connectivity between breeding and non-breeding sites. The three populations studied (Iberian, German, and Bulgarian) demonstrated different levels of exposure to climate change, as well as different patterns of connectivity. The Iberian breeding population showed high exposure to climate change in both its breeding and non-breeding sites, which may result in significant, interacting impacts on this population. In contrast, breeding populations in Germany are likely to benefit from climate change, both in their breeding and non-breeding range. Connectivity also varied; while most populations demonstrated extremely high connectivity between breeding and non-breeding sites, the Iberian population was substantially more behaviourally flexible, indicating there may be some adaptive capacity of this population to change non-breeding sites if some become less suitable due to climate change. Incorporating breeding and non-breeding areas into species distribution modelling highlights how the impacts of climate change may combine into multiplicative impacts across a species’ annual cycle, and how combining methodologies and data sources can provide greater insight into the impact of climate change on migratory species and, in turn, inform conservation action.

Feeding on migratory butterflies: opportunistic observations of birds preying on the Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

Many butterfly species are often seen with severe wing damage, which is regarded as evidence of unsuccessful predation, most likely by insectivorous birds. However, observations of bird predation are rare for the vast majority of butterflies. During a long-term study of the ecology of the Painted Lady Vanessa cardui, a common migratory butterfly, a high frequency of wing damage was noted, especially in North African populations. Attacks by several bird species were confirmed during fieldwork which, along with a number of published and unpublished records from ornithological colleagues, are reported in this note. Twenty-four bird species have been recorded preying on the Painted Lady in the Palaearctic-Afrotropical region. Records from eight additional species from the Nearctic region were obtained from photographs and from the literature. With 16 families (13 passerines and three non-passerines), this bird community embraces a notable diversity of morphologies and prey-capture techniques. The most represented families were the Tyrannidae, the Sylviidae and the Turdidae while the species most frequently recorded as predators were European Bee-eater Merops apiaster, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus, White-crowned Wheater Oenanthe leucopyga, and Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Most observations occurred in March–April and October when the Painted Lady migrates in large numbers, suggesting that a sudden increase in abundance may lead to a regular use of this resource by predators. Moreover, unsuccessful attacks are common, which suggests that butterflies may quite often escape with some form of wing damage. The consequences these interactions have on butterfly populations are speculative but deserve further study.

Temporal Occurrence of European Bee-Eater Merops apiaster and its Impact on Foraging Behavior and Queen Survival of Native Honeybee Apis mellifera jemenitica in Asir Region of Saudi Arabia

Temporal Occurrence of European Bee-Eater Merops apiaster and its Impact on Foraging Behavior and Queen Survival of Native Honeybee Apis mellifera jemenitica in Asir Region of Saudi Arabia

Assessment of natural enemies of honeybee (Apis mellifera jemenitica) in the Asir region, Southwestern, Saudi Arabia

The occurrence and status of natural enemies of honey bee Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia was conducted during 2019 and 2020. The existence of natural enemies, particularly pests and predators, is one of the most significant problem for beekeepers in the Asir region. A total of 78 apiaries were selected from two different geographical locations (Sarat and Tihama) in the Asir region. Honey bee colonies were attacked by 17 pests and predators species in the Tihama region, compared to 15 in Sarwat mountain region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. In order of significance, wasp (Philanthus triangulum), bee-eating bird (Merops apiaster), Varroa-mite (Varroa destructor), wax moth (Achroia grisella), and spider (Misumena sp.) are the most prevalent pests that inflict major harm to apiaries in southwestern Saudi Arabia. There were also some other pests and predators that had insignificant effect on bees. Generally, the recorded natural enemy’s incidences usually occurred in the months of September-October and December to February.

On the Evidence of the European Bee-Eater (Merops apiaster) as a Predator of the Yellow-Legged Hornet (Vespa velutina) and Its Possible Contribution as a Biocontrol Agent.

The Yellow-legged Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) (YLH) is an invasive insect that arrived in Europe in 2004 and is now spread across nine countries. It is a threat to the native entomofauna and harmful to beekeeping and agriculture, as it is a ravenous predator of the European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and other pollinating species. Its expansion has been unstoppable and all resources are needed to fight against it, including native vertebrate predators. Among these, the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) (EBE) is a potential one, but little is known about its predation on YLH. In a study carried out in Portugal, remains of YHL were detected in EBE nesting sites, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first such report. This means that this bird could be one more agent in the biological control of this pest (although research on predation intensity is still needed), in conjunction with other natural predators and other strategies. In the Iberian Peninsula, both species are allopatric in vast regions, so the role of EBE may be more limited. However, in the rest of Europe, at a country or continent scale, the scenario may be different and sympatry may occur to a greater extent.

Specialist or opportunist—the diet of the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster)

Specialist or opportunist—the diet of the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster)

Passive acoustic monitoring for estimating human-wildlife conflicts: The case of bee-eaters and apiculture

In human-wildlife conflicts, it is crucial to develop accurate protocols for the reliable verification of the causative species and its relationship with potential damage claims. One of such conflicts is that occurring between apiarists and bee-eaters. In this work, we aim to assess the utility of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) as an efficient methodology to measure European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) predation pressure at beehives and its impact on honeybees foraging activity. Using Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) in apiaries, coupled to automated recognition methods for bee-eater calls identification, we found a positive relationship between Vocal Activity Rate (VAR) index and number of bee-eaters hunting attempts on honeybees. We also found that VAR varied over time, showing a lower predation pressure during midday hours and higher during the post-breeding migratory period. Honeybees flying activity was negatively associated with VAR and this relationship was conditioned by the hour of the day. Our study offers a new application of PAM and acoustic derived indices for the evaluation of potential damages caused by wildlife. We focused on the interaction between honeybees and the European bee-eater, but we expect PAM might be useful also to remotely monitor impacts to human activities produced by other vocally active species.

Diet of breeding Eleonora's falcon Falco eleonorae in Algeria: Insights for the autumn trans-Mediterranean avian migration.

How environmental changes are affecting bird population dynamics is one of the most challenging conservation issues. Dietary studies of top avian predators could offer scope to monitor anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem changes. We investigated the diet of breeding Eleonora's falcon in an area of Northeastern Algeria in the years 2010–2012. Feathers and insect remains originating from prey plucking behavior were analyzed, providing insights into the seasonally changing diet of this raptor, as well as the trans‐Mediterranean avian migration. A total of 77 species of birds (16 Sylviidae, 11 Turdidae, and 4 Emberizidae), 3 species of insects, and 1 lizard were identified among prey remains, reflecting a diverse diet. Diet composition and prey abundance varied seasonally, faithfully correlating with the passage of migrant birds as recorded from bird ring recoveries. Our findings suggest that dietary studies of predators might be deployed to investigate changes in bird migration. We discuss our results in the context of trans‐Mediterranean migration, with early‐season prey mainly comprising trans‐Saharan migrants (Apus apus and Merops apiaster) and late‐season prey being dominated by Mediterranean winter migrants (Erithacus rubecula, Turdus philomelos, Sylvia atricapilla, and Sturnus vulgaris). Notably, we observed a significant reduction in species richness of passerine remains in 2012, potentially highlighting a decline in the diversity of avian migrants.

Multi-species settlement by secondary hollow-nesting passerine birds in a European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) colony

Abstract Simultaneous nesting of six species of secondary hollow-nesting passerine birds in abandoned European Bee-eater Merops apiaster nest-holes has been detected and described. The holes were occupied by Great Tit Parus major, Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata, European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros, Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus and White Wagtail Motacilla alba, which formed a multi-species settlement in a European Bee-eater colony.

The conflict between avian predators and domestic honey bees: a case study of European bee-eater (Merops apiaster L.) preying on the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) in Cyprus

Bee-eaters are protected birds due to their contribution to the ecosystem, but at the same time, they inflict damages on bees which cause conflicts with beekeepers. This research aimed to study the impact of bee-eaters on the foraging activity of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and the effectiveness of the applied control measures, proposing a solution for the coexistence of birds and bees. We discouraged bee-eaters by using different methods and testing their efficacy. The presence of bee-eaters around the apiary caused the reduction of honey bee foraging activity along with effects on brood rearing and temperature regulation of the hive. The so-far proposed measures to prevent bee-eaters' attacks in the apiaries were tested and found to have limited effect. Considering the role of honey bees in pollination and bee-eaters in the insect-bird food chains, we propose a harmonious coexistence of bees and birds. This strategy has been adopted by the beekeepers of Cyprus, who were committed to pursuing methods of limited protection of bees from the predatory birds, ensuring the survival of both components.

Novel Circoviruses from Birds Share Common Evolutionary Roots with Fish Origin Circoviruses.

Circoviruses occur in a variety of animal species and are common pathogens of mammalian and avian hosts. In our study internal organ samples of wild birds were processed for screening of circoviral sequences. Two novel viruses were identified and characterized in specimens of a little bittern and a European bee-eater that suffered from wing injuries, were weakened, had liver or kidney failures, and finally succumbed at a rescue station. The 1935 nt and 1960 nt long viral DNA genomes exhibited a genomic structure typical for circoviruses and were predicted to encode replication-associated protein in the viral strand, and a capsid protein in the complementary strand of the replicative intermediate DNA form. The genome of the newly described viruses showed 37.6% pairwise identity with each other and ≤41.5% identity with circovirus sequences, and shared a common branch with fish, human and Weddel seal circoviruses in the phylogenetic tree, implying evolutionary relationship among the ancestors of these viruses. Based on the results the little bittern and European bee-eater circoviruses represent two distinct species of the Circovirus genus, Circoviridae family.

Renaturyzacja rzek szansą dla ochrony populacji brzegówki Riparia riparia w Polsce

The regulation and reconstruction of rivers and their valleys, apart from drastic hydrological changes, often lead to the change or disappearance of the habitats of valuable plant and animal species. Particularly vulnerable to the loss of breeding sites are species directly associated with precipitous banks and river slopes, which are formed as a result of erosive and landslide processes. Intensive hydrotechnical treatments, such as straightening of the channels or elimination of irregularities of the river banks, resulted in the inhibition of the desirable natural river processes. Bird species native to Poland that require the above nesting conditions, include: sand martin Riparia riparia, kingfisher Alcedo atthis and bee-eater Merops apiaster. More and more actions are taken to restore rivers to a near-natural state. The aim of restoration is not only to increase retention capacity, protect against floods, social and economic benefits, but also to improve the overall functioning of river ecosystems and preserve biodiversity within their valleys. Renaturation includes activities such as the creation of exposed slopes that mimic erosive undercuts, the removal of bank reinforcements or the maintenance of bank gaps, which promote their occupation by the aforementioned bird species. In addition to predation, the loss of suitable breeding sites is the greatest threat to the sand martin population, such as the American mink Neovison vison, the fox Vulpes vulpes and the locally raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides. A regulated river, where the implemented hydrotechnical measures disrupt the functioning of natural river processes, also causes losses in bird broods due to flash floods that destroy many nests together with eggs or nestlings. Sand martins in many places have stopped using riverbeds as breeding places, occupying anthropogenic habitats which, however, have certain limitations and threats. Renaturation is therefore an important measure to be taken in places where past regulations have caused the greatest damage to the environment. The development of anthropogenic areas should be supported in accordance with the principles of sustainable use of natural resources.

Linking migratory performance to breeding phenology and productivity in an Afro-Palearctic long-distance migrant

Understanding the relationship between migratory performance and fitness is crucial for predicting population dynamics of migratory species. In this study, we used geolocators to explore migration performance (speed and duration of migratory movements, migratory timings) and its association with breeding phenology and productivity in an Afro-Palearctic insectivore, the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster), breeding in Iberian Peninsula. Bee-eaters migrated at higher travel speeds and had shorter travel duration in spring compared to autumn. Individuals that departed earlier or spent fewer days in-flight arrived earlier to the breeding areas. Our results show overall positive, but year-specific, linkages between arrival and laying dates. In one year, laying was earlier and productivity was higher, remaining constant throughout the season, while in the subsequent year productivity was lower and, importantly, declined with laying date. These results suggest that arriving earlier can be advantageous for bee-eaters, as in years when breeding conditions are favourable, early and late breeders produce high and similar number of fledglings, but when conditions are unfavourable only early breeders experience high productivity levels.

Does breeding habitat affect the amount of ants in the diet of European bee-eater nestlings?

Does breeding habitat affect the amount of ants in the diet of European bee-eater nestlings?

Investigation of parasitic infection of Merops apiaster Bird

The current study was conducted in Al-Hawija district, 60 km west of Kirkuk city, and extended from September 2019 to September 2020, where 104 birds of European bee-eaters (Merops Apiaster) were collected and the results were as follows: two species of lice were diagnosed, namely Columbicola columbae and Hohorstiella lata and one species of tapeworm Rllietina tetragona. The results of the diagnosis of ectoparasites showed that the overall infection rate was 41.34%, and 14.42%for endoparasites. The results showed significant differences in the infection rates according to the different months of the study, as the highest significant infection rates were 28.57% .The results showed that weight group 41-50 gm recorded the highest rates of significant infection, with rates of 48.05 and 15.58% for Ectoparasitic and endoparasitic, respectively.

Prevalence of Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Different Wild Bird Species Admitted to Rehabilitation Centres in Portugal.

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic parasite. According to the “One Health” approach, studies on toxoplasmosis are essential since it affects humans and domestic and wild animals. In the present study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 263 wild birds located in five wildlife rehabilitation centres in mainland Portugal by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) with a cut-off titre of 20. An overall seroprevalence of 36.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.7–42.6) was observed. For the first time, antibodies to T. gondii were detected in some avian species, including pallid swift (Apus pallidus) (33.3%), black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) (39.3%), European turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur) (100%), bee-eater (Merops apiaster) (50.0%), carrion crow (Corvus corone) (33.3%), and Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) (100%), which expands the list of intermediate hosts of T. gondii. A lower seroprevalence was found in juvenile birds (31.9%) compared to adults (48.7%) (p = 0.016). The central region of Portugal was considered a risk factor for T. gondii infection in wild birds (odds ratio: 3.61; 95% CI: 1.09–11.91). This pioneer study calls attention to the need for further studies, to provide a clearer understanding of T. gondii epidemiology in Portugal, because it reflects wide dispersion of T. gondii oocysts in the environment.

Distribution, ecology and significance of the genus beeter (merops) in Uzbekistan

The study explored the nature of stay, distribution, the number of local territories and the significance of two species (European Bee-eater -Merops apiaster, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater -Merops persicus) of birds of the genus-Merops in Uzbekistan. As a result of the relevant questionnaires, literature materials and our own observations, the significance of the genus Merops in nature and beekeeping farms was determined. In determining their meaning, the main knowledge is removed in the composition of food and trophic behavior of these species. As a result of the data obtained, appropriate recommendations were developed for the protection and snowing of the harmful effects of the genus Merops on beekeeping farms. These recommendations make it possible to prevent illegal catch of bee-eaters, protect them and reduce harmful activity.

Identification of “Primorsk-1” wind power plant impact on the ecological situation connected with the behavior of ornithofauna on the Azov Sea coast

The results of ornithocomplexes monitoring in the territory of the wind power plant (WPP) “Primorsk-1” in 2017 and 2018 are presented. The research was conducted by two methods: observations made according to the recommendations of the Scottish Natural Heritage Fund (SNH) and route accounting method (RAM). The distribution of birds by seasons, direction of migration and flight altitudes has been identified. The number of birds, registered in 2017 by the SNH method, was 5923 specimens of 45 species: 3795 specimens of 33 species were flying in transit, 2,113 specimens of 40 species belonged to the forage group, 15 birds of four species belonged to the demonstration type. Most of the birds (64.2%) were flying in transit. The greatest activity of birds was observed in spring (36.3%) and autumn (35.0%) seasons of migration, when the share of the transit group accounted for 75.5% of all annual transit flights. At an altitude of up to 10 m 5086 (86.2%) birds were registered, in the range of altitudes (11÷25) m – 697 (11.8%), in the range of altitudes (26÷50) m – 53 (0.7%). No birds were found at an altitude above 180 m. In the risk zone of interaction with turbines, there were 72 birds of four species: Larus ridibundus, Merops apiaster, Circus aeruginosus, Buteo buteo. The total number of birds, registered by the RAM method in 2018, was 8927 specimens of 72 species: 802 specimens of 11 species were flying in transit, 2511 specimens of 32 species belonged to the forage group, 5614 specimens of 60 species belonged to the terrestrial group. The greatest activity of birds was registered in autumn (70.0%) and spring (15.2%) seasons of migration, and the share of the transit group in these seasons accounted for 93.4% of all annual transit flights. The predominant directions of migration were western, north-eastern and south-western. At an altitude of up to 10 m – 2369 (71.5%) birds were registered, in the range of altitudes (11÷25) m – 371 (11.2%), in the range of altitudes (26÷50) m – 367 (11.2%). At an altitude above 51 m – 202 birds (6.1%) were registered. Comparison of the results, obtained by different monitoring methods, was carried out by bringing the number of birds to 1 hour of observation in an area of 1 km2. The total bird density in the case of the RAM method was 3.3 times higher. The density of transit type birds according to different methods was within the admissible statistical dispersion of 10.2÷12.7 specimens/hour·km2. However, the density of forage type birds, registered by the RAM method, was 7.1 times higher than the density, identified by the SNH method. The average number of all the birds flying over the wind park territory at each moment of time according to various counting methods was within the statistical scatter (1.15÷1.28) specimen/(hour·km2). The size of the transit group in the case of the SNH method use was 3 times larger than that calculated by the RAM method, while the size of the forage group, on the contrary, was 2.5 times less. The anticipated number of collisions during one year of the wind power plant functioning, calculated by the SNH and RAM methods, was in the range of 5.6÷6.7 (about 0.6 specimens per turbine for one year of its functioning, or 0.2 specimen/1 MW/year). The number of collisions was about 6.9 −4 % of the total number of transit and forage type birds in the wind park territory, 3.3-3% of the number of the considered species specimens present at all altitudes, and 0.25% of all birds in a risk zone. The data obtained indicate an insignificant impact of the “Primorsk-1” wind power plant on the ornithofauna of the Azov sea coast.

An iconic messenger of climate change? Predicting the range dynamics of the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)

When environmental conditions change, species usually face three options: adaptation, range shifts, or extinction. In the wake of climate change, it is generally believed that range shifts are the norm in mobile species such as birds, resulting in poleward range shifts. The European Bee-eater is a predominantly Mediterranean species which has expanded its range to higher latitudes over the last decades. Germany in particular has seen a surge in breeding pairs and foundation of new colonies. However, while many experts suggest climate warming as the main driver behind this range expansion, an explicit quantification remains open. Here, we use an ensemble modelling approach to study the recent climatic niche suitability of the European Bee-eater across Europe with a special focus on Germany and project its predicted Palaearctic breeding distribution onto the year 2050 using two global circulation models and two representative concentration pathways. Models were able to predict the current European range of the species with some underestimated areas in Central and Eastern Europe, depending on the selected model. We found a strong relationship between climatic suitable areas and estimated population sizes across European countries that is reflected in most algorithms. In particular, the German population size is in line with climate suitability in the country suggesting a strong climate–population relationship and a high degree of niche filling. Most future predictions point to an ongoing northward expansion of the species while areas in Southern Europe and the Maghreb area remain largely suitable. The strong climate–population relationship makes the European Bee-eater an appropriate indicator species for climate change. Yet the high variability of modelling algorithms also call for caution of using these techniques without careful inspection.