Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

Merops persicus

(M. p. persicus)

Armenian Name:	Կանաչ մեղվակեր
Species Status:	Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 37 for Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and other similar species

Flight Characteristics:	Map 192.
Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	27-31 cm, Wing Span:46-49 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 192.
Description:	Predominantly green bird with long central tail projections.
Adult:	Green overall with blue, black, and white face, yellow chin, and reddish throat and underwing coverts; blue tint on rump.
Juvenile:	Duller, with pale tips to feathers; lacks tail projections.
Similar Species:	Differs from European Bee-eater by green upperparts, and red throat and underwing coverts.
Behavior:	Agile, buoyant flight; call like European Bee-eater but more rolling and higher-pitched.
Habitat:	Semidesert with clay banks, near water.
Food:	Airborne insects.
Nest:	Burrow in sand or clay bank.
Eggs:	26 mm, 5-7, white.