Merops persicus
The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, *Merops persicus*, is a striking Old World bird known for its brilliant plumage and aerial hunting prowess. Averaging 24-26 cm in length, excluding its elongated central tail feathers which can add another 5-7 cm, and weighing 45-55 grams, it presents a slender, elegant profile. Its most distinctive field marks include a vibrant green body, a prominent black eye-stripe bordered by a bright blue cheek patch, a yellow throat, and a rufous-tinged belly. Taxonomically,...
This species primarily inhabits open country, semi-arid regions, and savannas, often near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and marshes. They are typically found in lowlands, avoiding dense forests and high elevations.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of flying insects, particularly bees, wasps, dragonflies, and butterflies, caught expertly in mid-air through aerial pursuit.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters are diurnal and highly social birds, often observed perched conspicuously on branches, wires, or reeds as they scan for prey. Their primary foraging strategy involves sallying from these perches to catch flying insects mid-air, returning to the perch to consume their meal,...
The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater exhibits a wide and somewhat disjunct breeding distribution across North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The western subspecies, *Merops persicus chrysocercus*, breeds from Morocco eastward through the Sahara to the Nile Valley. The eastern subspecies, *Merop...
Least Concern
- Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters are expert at removing the stings from their insect prey, especially bees and wasps, by repeatedly striking and rubbing the insect against a hard surface. - They are highly social birds, often seen in large, colorful flocks outside the breeding season, making for impress...