Carmine is the name of the red dye that was originally obtained from the cochineal beetle; described as the colour of tomatoes or rubies. Or blood. The name of a food dye used to colour foodstuffs like yoghurt. And part of the descriptive name given to one of the most beautiful birds in southern Africa – the Southern carmine bee-eater.

Read more on the beautiful Southern carmine bee-eater by clicking  here.