the bee-eaters are a group of birds in the family meropidae. most species are found in africa but others occur in southern europe, madagascar, australia and new guinea. they are characterized by richly colored plumage, slender bodies and usually long central tail feathers. all are colorful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. there are 26 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in azerbaijan.