Coraciiformes TAG: Bee-Eaters
While there are 24 species of bee-eaters found around the world, only three are kept by zoological facilities within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Even these three species (Carmine Bee-eater, White-fronted Bee-eater, and White-throated Bee-eater) are held in very small numbers and bred infrequently. No species of bee-eater is currently managed as a SSP through the Coraciiformes TAG. Most species are found in Africa and Asia but others occur in southern Europe, Australia, and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies, and usually elongated central tail feathers. As the name suggests, bee-eaters predominantly eat flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which are caught in the air by sallies from an open perch.
