Bird Merops apiaster found in Africa, S Europe, and Asia. It feeds on a variety of insects, including bees, which it catches in its long narrow bill. Chestnut, yellow, and blue-green, it is gregarious, and generally nests in river banks and sandpits.
Colorful chiefly tropical Old World bird having a strong graceful flight; feeds on esp. bees.
1. A bird of the genus Merops, that feeds on bees. The European species (M. apiaster) is remarkable for its brilliant colors.
2. An African bird of the genus Rhinopomastes.