Species that breed in subtropical or temperate areas of Europe, Asia and Australia are all migratory. The European bee-eaters that breed in southern Europe and Asia migrate to West and southern Africa. Another population of the same species breeds in South Africa and Namibia; these birds move northwards after breeding.

Are Bee-eaters migratory?

Abundant passage migrant; rare winter visitor. Prefers wetlands and agricultural land where it hunts insects in flight. ... It prefers open landscapes, but during migration can be found in farmlands, inland pools and areas where there is habitat and tall trees to roost on.

Why do Bee-eaters migrate?

European Bee-Eater Migration and Distribution

The Palaearctic migrants breed in Southern Europe and parts of Asia. As the breeding season ends around the latter half of July, they begin their migration south – trading the harsh Northern hemisphere winters for the warm, pleasant summers of Southern Africa.