Autumn migration and the vibrant Bee-Eater

September is one of the best times of the year to meet across several of the migratory birds that fly by the Maltese Islands during the autumn season.

A common bird migrant that often visits the Maltese Islands during this time of the year is the Bee Eater (Merops apiaster, Qerd in-naħal)with pointed wings and very distinguishable colourful plumage. Their extravagant bright colours often catch the eye of the observer, or else you may hear its very particular repetitive call. The bird has social habitats – it is often seen in large flocks and breeds in colonies.

The bee-eater is a specialist in catching insects whilst in flight. Despite its name, only one of the ten insect that it catches is a bee. In the Maltese Islands, this bird feeds mainly on wasps, dragonflies, butterflies and grasshoppers. During the past years, this birds was also noted breeding in the Maltese Islands.

One of the best sites for bird-watching is Buskett Gardens, the largest woodland area in Malta, located about 2km from The Cliffs Interpretation Centre.