Every year, the skies over southern Ukraine are ablaze with the arrival of flocks of European bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) at the Tuzliv Lagoons National Nature Park in the Odessa region. These migratory birds, known for their bright plumage and acrobatic hunting skills, have once again returned from their wintering grounds in Africa.
According to Dr. Ivan Rusev, Doctor of Biological Sciences and the park’s lead researcher, the bee-eaters are already searching for insects and nesting sites along the steep shores of the local lagoons.
“The European bee-eater, having returned from Africa, flies through the Tuzliv Lagoons National Nature Park in search of insects and actively searches for nesting sites on the steep rocks of the reservoirs,” said Dr. Rusev.
Why European Bee-eaters Are Important
These birds play a crucial role in maintaining insect populations, especially in wetland ecosystems. Their arrival is also a positive sign of ecological health and biodiversity in the region.
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from all over Europe often visit the Tuzlov Lagoons to observe these rare and charismatic species, making them a popular ecotourism destination in Ukraine.
Quick facts about the European Bee-eater:
Scientific name: Merops apiaster
Habitat: Open countryside with sandy shores, riverbanks and coastal cliffs.
Diet: Mainly bees, wasps and other flying insects.
Migration: Winters in sub-Saharan Africa; breeds in southern and eastern Europe.
📍 Learn more about Tuzli Lagoons
The Tuzli Lagoons National Nature Park is a protected area along the Black Sea coast of Ukraine, home to over 260 bird species, making it one of the most important bird habitats in the country.
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