Before anyone asks, yes, we took the cover photo. Just a little chuffed! Oh, plus we have two designs of these guys here. And now, onto the article...
If Australia handed out awards for “Most Extra Bird,” the rainbow bee-eater would absolutely clear the field. With emerald wings, sunset-orange throats, long tail streamers and that signature black eye-liner, they look like they’ve stepped out of a tropical runway show rather than a gum-lined creek. But behind the glamour is a surprisingly tough, fascinating little bird with a life story worth celebrating—minus one slightly spicy bit of controversy.
Nesting: Underground Real Estate Experts
Unlike tree-nesting species, rainbow bee-eaters are all about underground living. They tunnel long burrows—sometimes up to a metre—into sandy banks, road edges, dunes and riverbeds. At the end sits a cozy chamber where both parents share egg-sitting and chick-feeding duties. Their tunnels curve upward slightly, which helps keep the nest dry during rain. Engineer-level design from a bird that weighs less than a Tim Tam.
Migration: Long-Distance Flyers With Tropical Taste
Rainbow bee-eaters are partial migrants. Northern populations (NT, QLD, WA) tend to stick around year-round, loving that warm tropical life. But southern birds migrate north for winter, flying into Indonesia and Papua New Guinea before returning to Australia for the breeding season. For such small birds, it’s a serious commute—no in-flight snacks, no movies, just pure instinct and a whole lot of wingbeats.
Fun Facts:
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They smack bees on branches to remove the sting before eating them. Brutal, but efficient.
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They’re cooperative breeders, meaning extra adults sometimes help feed the chicks.
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They catch insects entirely on the wing, performing swoops and twists that would make a stunt pilot clap.
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They sunbathe on the ground, wings out and eyes half-closed like tiny lizards in bird costumes.
Where to See Them
You can spot rainbow bee-eaters across most of mainland Australia, favouring open woodlands, sandy country, riverbanks, farmland and coastal dunes. Some of the best viewing spots include:
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Northern Australia (Darwin region, Kimberley, Cape York) – year-round
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Southern Australia (SA, VIC, NSW) – mostly spring to early autumn
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Near sandy cliffs or eroded banks during breeding season, when they’re busy digging and bickering over burrow spots
If there’s sun, space and flying insects, chances are a rainbow bee-eater isn’t far off.
The Controversy: Festivals vs. Nesting Season
Here’s where things get messy. Rainbow bee-eaters often choose open sandy ground or riverbanks to nest—the same kinds of places communities love to use for summer festivals, concerts and markets. Each year, reports pop up of colonies disturbed or destroyed by:
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heavy foot traffic
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vehicle access for event setup
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vibration and noise causing nest abandonment
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accidental crushing of burrows
Because the nests are underground and hard to spot, well-meaning organisers sometimes have no idea they’re setting up on top of a breeding site. Conservation groups regularly call for better signage, seasonal closures or relocation of events, while communities balance tradition with protecting local wildlife. It’s become a recurring tug-of-war in some regions. You can see an example here.
The good news? With early surveys, simple fencing and a bit of seasonal planning, festivals and bee-eaters can coexist. It just takes awareness—and maybe a few “please don’t stand here, baby birds below” signs.
The Takeaway
Rainbow bee-eaters are more than just Australia’s most colourful bug-catching dynamos. They’re long-distance migrants, master tunnel builders and surprisingly social parents. But they also need a bit of extra protection—especially during nesting season when their underground homes can be accidentally trampled.
So next time you’re out in the sun and you see a flash of emerald and gold slicing through the sky, take a moment to appreciate the tiny high-performance athlete that is the rainbow bee-eater. And maybe check the ground before you set up your picnic rug—there could be a whole family living right beneath your feet. Oh, and grab one of our rainbow designs here.
