Bee-Eaters on a Sandy Riverbank

Bee-eaters dig their nests into sandy riverbanks, tunneling a long way back into the soft earth. True to the name, they catch bees and wasps in the air and then beat them against a perch to get rid of the sting. Three of them line up on dead twigs in this bee-eater jigsaw puzzle, bright as paint against the dry grass. They nest in colonies, so a good bank can end up riddled with dozens of holes. Few birds come in more colors.