European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)<br />
Breed in Southern Europe & North Africa & Western Asia. It is strongly migratory wintering in tropical Africa, India & Sri Lanka. They feed on insects, mainly bees, wasps and hornets caught on the wing. Eat up to 250 bees a day, removing sting by hitting them repeatedly on the ground. They nest on sandy banks usually near water.<br />
Doñana National & Natural Park. Huelva Province, Andalusia. SPAIN<br />
1969 - Set up as a National Park<br />
1981 - Biosphere Reserve<br />
1982 - Wetland of International Importance, Ramsar<br />
1985 - Special Protection Area for Birds<br />
1994 - World Heritage Site, UNESCO.<br />
The marshlands in particular are a very important area for the migration, breeding and wintering of European and African birds. It is also an area of old cultures, traditions and human uses - most of which are still in existance.