Bee eating birds and honey bee predation in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand is home to 12 species of birds whose diet includes large numbers of honey bees. One genus, the bee-eaters (Merops), eat huge numbers of insect pests as well as other small invertebrates. All insectivorous birds consume harmful insects helping to keep pest populations under control in agricultural ecosystems. However, bee-eaters also consume a large number of honey bees, causing direct impact on honey production and queen mating success. These birds are particularly troublesome when introducing Apis mellifera in Thailand.