European bee-eater, Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Cádiz, Spain June 12, 2026

A streak of colour glides past a blur of wildflowers as a European bee-eater cuts through the air. Turquoise, gold and chestnut shimmer across its wings as it hunts in flight, snatching insects mid-air with swift turns. Bees and wasps are among its favoured prey, and the bird often removes the stinger before feeding—a behaviour that reduces the risk of injury.

© Andres M. Dominguez/Nature Picture Library

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