The European bee-eater is a spectacular migratory bird that has attempted to breed in Britain on several occasions as climate warming shifts its range northward, with each breeding attempt raising acute welfare considerations for a species far from its core range.
Bee-eater welfare during UK breeding attempts is acutely threatened by the unpredictability of British weather, which can eliminate flying insect prey for extended periods. Birds breeding far north of established populations are likely to be experiencing marginal conditions. Intensive surveillance and disturbance from birdwatchers attracted to these rare events has caused nest abandonment in some British cases. Coordinated wardening to prevent disturbance is essential when breeding is confirmed.