Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
NameBlue-cheeked Bee-eater
Common NameBlue-cheeked Bee-eater
Scientific NameMerops persicus
FamilyMeropidae
Wingspan (cm)46.5
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)52
Plumage DetailsPredominantly green plumage with a distinctive black eye-stripe extending from the bill through the eye. It features bright blue cheeks, a white forehead, a yellow throat, and a rufous-chestnut patch below the throat. The bill is long, slender, and black, and the eyes are red.
Vocalization / CallA soft, rolling 'prruup' or 'prrrueet' often given in flight or from a perch. Also produces various chattering and trilling notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, wetland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia (from Turkey east to Kazakhstan and India). Winters in tropical Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, undertaking long migrations.
Identifying FeaturesBright green plumage, Blue cheeks, Black eye-stripe, Yellow throat with rufous patch, Long, decurved black bill, Red eyes
Description
The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is a vibrantly colored, slender bird known for its aerial hunting of insects. It typically perches prominently before sallying out to catch flying prey, often returning to the same perch.
