Merops apiaster

The European Bee-eater is classified as Vulnerable (VU) because of the continued decrease in its population and range. Its rate of decrease is estimated at more than 10% over 3 generations (19.5 years). In the previous edition of the Red Book (2002), it was classified as Vulnerable (VU). The lack of change in its status reflects the continuing decline in the number of individuals and range.

Habitats	Mediterranean Batha, Semi-desert Batha, Parks & Woodlands, Shrubland, Loess Ravines
Presence In Israel	Summer, Migrant
Breeding In Israel	Breeder
Migration Types	Long Range
Zoographical Zones	Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian
Landscape Types	Plains & Valleys, Wide Wadis, Rural Area
Vegetation Types	Mediterranean Garrigue, Steppe
Vegetation Densities	Low
Nest Locations	Mountainside
Diet Types	Invertebrate
Foraging Grounds	Aerial
Body Sizes	Small (up to 500g)
Threat Factors	Pesticide Poisoning, Habitat loss and fragmentation, Direct disturbance from human activity, Tree planting

The European Bee-eater is a common summer visitor and breeder in small colonies in the Mediterranean and steppe regions, in the Galilee and the Golan Heights, Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley and the Northern Negev. In the past, it was a more common summer breeder, but in the 1950s, its population decreased considerably, apparently because of extensive pesticide use. Most of the impact occurred west of the national watershed. During the last two decades the declining trend continues, mainly due to development, plantings and expansion of agricultural areas.

The European Bee-eater nests in the Mediterranean and steppe regions. Habitat includes open landscapes, such as pastures, wide wadis, hills with scattered trees, often near water. It is a colonial nester that digs its nesting burrows in earth walls.

Habitat modification – shrubland (Batha and Garrigue) areas used by bee-eaters for foraging have decreased, and nesting sites, particularly in kurkar (calcareous sandstone) ridges have been affected by construction, excavation and development.
Poisoning – European Bee-eaters frequently nest near agricultural fields and are harmed by pesticides.
Apparently also has been adversely affected in its wintering areas in Africa (Birdlife International).
Destruction of nesting colonies by beekeepers.
Disturbance of nesting colonies by photographers and curious visitors.

No specific conservation measures have been taken for this species to date.

• מירוז, א. 2013. סיכום סקר ציפורים במזרח לכיש, אביב 2013. דו"ח רשות הטבע והגנים.
• מירוז, א. ושוחט, א. 2014. סיכום סקר ציפורים סביב היישוב נטע במזרח לכיש – 2014. דו"ח רשות הטבע והגנים.
• פז, ע. 1986. עופות. מתוך אלון, ע. (עורך), החי והצומח של ארץ ישראל. כרך 6. הוצאת משרד הביטחון, ישראל.

• Shirihai, H., 1996. The Birds of Israel. Academic Press, London.
• Symes, A. 2013. Species generation lengths. Unpublished, BirdLife International.
• Species page at Birdlife International