Bee-eaters are identified by their bright colours. They catch their prey in mid-air at up to 48 km/h. Bee-eaters are insectivores, feeding on insects. Males and females look similar. Most of the Bee-eater species are monogamous, meaning they mate for life unless one dies, in which case they will select another mate. Bee-eaters assist each other during breeding, and co-caring for the nestlings. They recognize each other, from parents to siblings and even nesting neighbours.

A stone’s throw away from South Africa’s capital, Pretoria in Tshwane Municipality, makes it a popular day trip. Rietvlei is affectionately known as a “haven of nature” by the locals. Home to the endangered Bankenveld grassland and around 2000 different animals, it is the perfect game-viewing day trip. See rhinos, buffalo, black wildebeest, blesbok, zebras, waterbuck, reedbuck, and if you are lucky the elusive cheetah. It is also home to around 240 different bird species, particularly those with aquatic elements in their ecosystems. Look out for African fish eagles, half-collared and giant kingfishers, and purple gallinules. You’ll also find grassland specials like the grass owl, spike-heeled lark, buffy pipit and orange-throated longclaw. Two dams on the reserve offer bird hides, which provide open-water and wetland habitats.