The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Bee-eater \Bee"-eat`er\, n. (Zool.)
   (a) A bird of the genus Merops, that feeds especially on
       bees. The European species (Merops apiaster) is
       remarkable for its brilliant colors.
   (b) An African bird of the genus Rhinopomastes.
       [1913 Webster]