Obs. An English name for the Merops apiaster, (sometimes wrongly identified with the Wood-pecker.) Cf. BEE-EATER.

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[1573.  Cooper, Thesaurus, Apiastra Auicula est, Seruius, Eadem quæ merops, auis Germaniæ ignota. Longe enim errant, quæ picum viridem interpretantur.]

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1608.  Topsell, Serpents, 75. Diuers liuing creatures are nourished by … hony, as the Beare,… the Woodpecker or Eate-bee.

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1611.  Cotgr., Guespier.… A Woodwall, Wood-pecker, Eat-bee (a little bird).

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1693.  W. Robertson, Phraseol. Gen., 520/2. An Eat-bee, a Bird; Apiaster, Merops, m.

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