Microsatellite loci in the European bee‐eater,Merops apiaster

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite markers have been developed for the European bee‐eater, Merops apiaster (Coraciiformes: Meropidae). Screening of eight individuals at these loci showed that the average allelic diversity was 5.8, with a range of two to 11 alleles per locus. The loci reported here will provide insight into the levels of extra‐pair parentage, kin selection and dispersal in this species, which has co‐operative breeding and nests in large colonies.