Little Bee-eater perched on a low acacia branch in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.
Look Low: Spotting the Little Bee-eater in Tarangire
When you’re scanning the canopy for life in Tarangire National Park, you might be looking too high. To find the Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus), you have to lower your gaze.
Unlike their larger cousins who prefer the lofty heights of acacia trees, these tiny specialists stay close to the earth. Look for them perfectly balanced on low thorn shrubs or even swaying on sturdy blades of grass just a few feet up. From these humble perches, they are expertly positioned to snatch passing insects right off the ground.
Want to dive deeper into the world of these vibrant hunters? Check out our posts, “The Little Bee-eater: East Africa’s Most Dazzling Safari Bird” or “Little Bee-eater Eating a Little Bee.”