carmines on lower Zambezi river | oil on canvas

Carmine Bee-eaters are among Africa’s most brilliantly coloured birds, flashing shades of crimson, rose-pink, turquoise, and teal as they sweep through the sky. They’re exceptional aerial hunters, catching bees, termites, and dragonflies in swift, acrobatic flights. Before eating, they deftly remove stings by tapping the insect against a perch — a quick, practised motion that keeps them safe. They breed in large, bustling colonies, digging long nesting tunnels into riverbanks or sandy cliffs. Thousands may gather in one place, creating a vibrant rush of colour and movement as they shuttle between burrows and feeding grounds. Unlike European Bee-eaters, carmines migrate entirely within Africa. Southern Carmine Bee-eaters breed in countries like Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, then move north after the season, following rainfall and insect swarms. Their migration and brilliant plumage make them one of Africa’s most striking and energetic seasonal visitors.