蜂虎科在动物分类学上是鸟纲佛法僧目中的一个科。包括20多种。大多数都分布在非洲大陆，但也有一些种类分布在欧洲、马达加斯加、澳洲和新几内亚。本科鸟羽毛颜色艳丽，身体纤细，尾羽较长。

蜂虎科在中国有六个种分布。

The bee-eaters are a group of near-passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa and Asia but others occur in southern Europe, Australia, and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies, and usually elongated central tail feathers. All have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 different species of bee-eaters.