Description About “Bee Eaters amongst the Field of Flowers” These brilliantly coloured birds (Merops ornatus), with elongated tail feathers, grow to be 23–28 cm long. They are a common species, and in summer can be found in forested areas of mainland southern Australia; during winter they migrate north into northern Australia, New Guinea, and some of the southern islands of Indonesia. Like all bee-eaters, rainbow bee-eaters are very social birds. When they are not breeding they roost together in large groups in dense undergrowth or large trees. Their vocalization in flight is a series of loud, melodious “pir-r-r” calls, characterized by rapid vibration and high pitch. A softer, slower call is exchanged between perching birds. Like all bee-eaters, they nest in burrows built by the females; breeding before and after the rainy season in the north, and from November to January in the south. The nest tunnel is very narrow, and the birds’ bodies press so tightly against the tunnel walls that when the birds enter and exit their movement acts like a piston, pumping in fresh air and pushing out stale air. They mostly eat flying insects, but have a real taste for bees. This painting also features Flame Grevillea, Mulla Mulla, Belly Buttons, Wattle and Eucalyptus leucoxylon. Helen Ansell Fine Art Canvas Prints are available to purchase either stretched (gallery wrapped, ready to hang on the wall) or unstretched (with 9cm white border) ready for you to frame yourself. Small – 40 x 40cm (16″ x 16″) Medium – 60 x 60cm (24″ x 24″) Large – 90 x 90cm (36″ x 36″) Helen Ansell fine art prints are proudly printed in Australia. *Please allow up to 14 business days for your purchase to be posted. Because each print is made to order just for you, we require time to print and post your beautiful Australian fine art print. To be the first to know about sales and events featuring Helen’s work contact Helen or join our mailing list!
