Southern carmine bee-eater
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Southern carmine bee-eater (Merops nubicoidus) (or carmine bee-eater) are usually confined to open, wooded and bushy savannahs, floodplains with oxbows, lake shores, swamps with scattered dead trees and dry grassy plains, as well as seasonal rivers and cultivated lands. They live in large groups, perching side by side in trees and other vegetation that overhangs tropical rivers.
Distribution: North-eastern regions of Namibia from Rundu extending through the Caprivi to Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and some scattered populations in the Tsumkwe region.
Diet: Eats mostly flying insects, cicadas, bugs, butterflies and moths and dragonflies.
Description: Nubicoidus is the Latin word for resembles, as there is likeness to the northern carmine bee-eater.
Breeding: Between 2 and 5 eggs are laid between August to December in nests made in sandy riverbanks, ditches or areas of flat, sloping ground.
Size: 27cm. Tail streamers project a further 120mm. Weight: 62g.
Fish River Hiking Trail
7 Days - The famous Fish River Hike complete with a guide and return transport from Windhoek
Fish River Canyon Mule Trail
5 Days - Explore the Fish River carrying only a day pack while your possessions & equipment are transported on a mule train
Klipspringer Mule Trail
4 Days - Hiking in the Fish River Canyon while your equipment is transported by mule
Tok Tokkie Hiking Trail
3 Days - Excellent guided walking trail on the NamibRand private reserve (near Sossusvlei)
