Rainbow Bee-eater
The Rainbow bee-eater apparently visits Perth and Rottnest island frequently. I’ve never noticed one here, but on a recent visit to Broome they were everywhere. And yes, they do eat bees, and other flying insects.
Their hunting style is mesmerizing. Each bird seems to have its favourite spot, a special barnch on a special tree.
From this perch it will launch itself out, perform some acrobatics mid
air,
air,
and it successful return to its perch with a tasty morsel.
They nest by making burrows in the mounds of red pindan earth at the sides of the dirt tracks and can be seen swooping across the road in their signature loops in search of
bees.
More information
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Merops-ornatus
http://birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/rainbow-bee-eater
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