In warmer weather, African ‘rainbow birds’ migrate to the UK
In warmer weather, African ‘rainbow birds’ migrate to the UK
Rainbow birds not normally seen in the UK have established a breeding colony thanks to warmer temperatures due to climate change.
Eight bee-eaters, distinctive blue, yellow and orange birds, have returned to a quarry in Norfolk for the second consecutive year.
It is the first time the birds, normally seen in Africa, have traveled to the same location in successive years and marks the seventh breeding attempt in England in the last 20 years.
Dozens of bird watchers have been drawn to the spot by the little birds since they were spotted by local twitcher Andy Chamberlain in late May.
Bee-eaters typically migrate north from southern Africa to breed in the Mediterranean and North Africa and have previously appeared in the UK when they diverged from their usual routes.
Eight bee-eaters, striking blue, yellow and orange birds, have returned to a quarry in Norfolk for the second consecutive year
Sightings of the UK’s rainbow lorikeet are becoming more common as temperatures rise.
Mark Thomas, head of research at the bird organization RSPB, told The Telegraph that bee-eaters are like ‘no other bird’ in the UK.
“Not only are they indescribably beautiful in their popsicle colors, but they also put on a great show as they jump to catch flying insects in the air.”
He added: ‘This could be the start of bee-eaters properly colonizing the UK and a sign that they could become a regular part of the great British summer.’