Bee-eater colony

Another bird specialty of the area is the bee-eater, which builds its breeding caves in the steep walls of the Wagram a little north of the Zitzmannsdorfer Wiesen. He finds an ideal feeding area in the meadow landscape of the Zitzmannsdorfer Wiesen. A large colony set up their nesting sites on the so-called "Ungerberg" between April and early August.
Bee-eaters are inhabitants of open landscapes that are rich in sun and structure. In the immediate vicinity of their breeding wall they need insect-rich hunting areas such as dry grass, fallow land or extensively used vineyards and arable land, as well as a larger number of trees or groups of trees as waiting areas and sleeping places. The blackbird-sized, colorful bird is a true flight acrobat. Bee-eaters fly similar to swallows with regular alternation between a few rapid wing flaps and gliding phases with outstretched wings.
Bee-eaters are highly specialized insect hunters. From one vantage point, they prey on larger flying insects - including not only bees, but also wasps, beetles, dragonflies, butterflies and two-winged insects such as horseflies. On the Ungerberg there is an observation post that is designed in such a way that the birds can be observed directly at the breeding site - without disturbing them!