There are about 31 species of brightly colored birds in the Meropidae family. Bee-eaters are found in open woodlands, grasslands, savannas, and farmland, often near rivers, lakes, wetlands, or other areas where flying insects are abundant. They live in the warm regions of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Most bee-eaters are bright green with colorful red, yellow, blue, black, or chestnut markings. They measure about 6 to 14 inches (15.2 to 35.6 cm) long and have slender bodies, long pointed wings, long tail feathers, and long, slightly curved black bills. Many species also have a black stripe running from the eye to the base of the bill, giving them a mask-like appearance.

Bee-eaters are insectivores that catch flying insects in midair. They often perch on a branch or fence, then quickly fly out to capture their prey before returning to the same perch. They earned their name because many species regularly eat bees and wasps. Before swallowing these insects, they rub them against a branch to remove the stinger and squeeze out much of the venom.

Bee-eaters are highly social birds and often live in flocks. Most species dig long nesting tunnels into sandy riverbanks or flat, bare ground. Many bee-eaters are cooperative breeders, meaning that young birds that are not breeding help their parents dig nests, incubate eggs, and feed and care for chicks.