Bee-eaters of The Gambia – colourful birds of the West African savanna
The colourful bee-eaters are among the most spectacular birds to observe and photograph in The Gambia. With their bright plumage, elegant shapes and acrobatic hunting behaviour, they are favourites for birdwatchers and nature photographers visiting West Africa.
These birds belong to the family Meropidae and are famous for catching insects in mid-air. As their name suggests, they often feed on bees and wasps, but they also catch dragonflies, butterflies and other flying insects.
Bee-eaters usually perch on open branches or wires, scanning the air before launching into graceful aerial chases. Because of the variety of habitats in The Gambia – from wetlands and riverbanks to open savanna – several species can easily be seen during birding trips across the country.
Bee-eater species you can see in The Gambia
Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus)
One of the most common species in The Gambia, the Little Bee-eater is often seen perched on small branches near wetlands or rice fields. Its bright green plumage, yellow throat and black eye-stripe make it easy to recognise.
Despite its small size, it is an active hunter that frequently returns to the same perch after catching insects.
Red-throated Bee-eater (Merops bulocki)
This spectacular species nests in large colonies along sandy riverbanks. Along the Gambia River it is sometimes possible to see hundreds of birds flying together above the water while feeding.
The red throat combined with the blue-green body creates a beautiful contrast, making it one of the most photographed bee-eaters in West Africa.
White-throated Bee-eater (Merops albicollis)
This elegant migratory species often appears in large flocks during the dry season. It is easily recognised by its white throat, black mask and long central tail feathers.
Large groups sometimes gather in trees or fly together across open landscapes, creating impressive birding moments.
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (Merops hirundineus)
This species prefers open woodland and savanna habitats. Its slender body and long tail streamers give it a graceful appearance in flight.
The combination of green plumage, blue crown and black eye-mask makes it another beautiful subject for bird photographers.
Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus)
The Northern Carmine Bee-eater is one of the most spectacular bee-eaters that can be seen in the region. With its striking carmine-red plumage, turquoise-blue underparts and elegant shape, it is a favourite among birdwatchers and photographers.
This species is often associated with riverbanks, open country and areas near water, where it hunts flying insects in graceful aerial flights. When seen in good light, the Northern Carmine Bee-eater is one of the most unforgettable colourful birds of West Africa.
Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)
The Green Bee-eater is a slender and elegant bee-eater with bright green plumage, a fine black eye-stripe and long central tail feathers. It is one of the most graceful and colourful bee-eaters that can be seen in open habitats.
This species is often found in dry open country, farmland and savanna areas where it hunts flying insects from low perches. Its delicate shape and vivid colours make it a beautiful subject for bird photography in The Gambia.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
The European Bee-eater is a colourful migratory species that occasionally passes through The Gambia during migration. It breeds in southern Europe and parts of Asia and spends the winter in Africa.
This striking bird is easily recognised by its combination of chestnut, yellow, blue and green colours. During migration it may sometimes be observed feeding in open landscapes where it catches flying insects.
Where to see bee-eaters in The Gambia
Bee-eaters can be found in many habitats throughout the country. Some of the best places include wetlands, riverbanks and open savanna landscapes where flying insects are abundant.
Popular birding locations include the Tanbi Wetlands, rice fields along the coast and the sandy banks of the Gambia River where breeding colonies can sometimes be observed.
Bee-eaters and bird photography
Bee-eaters are excellent subjects for bird photography because they often perch in open areas before hunting. Their colourful plumage and elegant flight behaviour create beautiful photographic opportunities.
Photographers often capture them returning to a perch with an insect, flying above wetlands or interacting within breeding colonies.
Discover bee-eaters during a bird photography tour
During my bird photography tours in The Gambia and Senegal we regularly encounter several bee-eater species in different habitats. With local knowledge and careful positioning, photographers often have excellent opportunities to observe and photograph these beautiful birds.
Bee-eaters are just one of the many colourful bird species that make The Gambia one of the most exciting birding destinations in West Africa.