Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

Merops Persicus)

Order:

Coraciiformes

Family:

Meropidae

Size:

31 cm

Weight:

38-56 g

Taxonomy:

M. p. persicus (Pallas, 1773)

Short Description:

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus) is a striking bird species found in Pakistan. It features a vibrant mix of colors including turquoise blue, green, and chestnut brown. Its most notable feature is the blue patch on its cheeks, which contrasts with the predominantly green plumage. This medium-sized bird has a long, slender body and a distinctive curved beak, perfectly adapted for catching insects mid-flight. During the breeding season, its call is a series of melodious, rolling notes. Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters are often seen perched on branches or wires, watching for passing insects or engaging in acrobatic aerial pursuits.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is primarily found in the northern and western regions, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. It inhabits a variety of habitats ranging from open woodlands and savannahs to agricultural areas with suitable nesting sites and an abundance of flying insects.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters are highly social birds, often seen in small to medium-sized flocks during the breeding season. They are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on flying insects such as bees, wasps, dragonflies, and butterflies. Their hunting strategy involves aerial pursuits, where they dart and swoop through the air to catch insects on the wing. During the breeding season, pairs engage in courtship displays, which may include aerial acrobatics and the exchange of food items. They excavate nesting burrows in sandy or loamy soil banks, where they lay their eggs. These birds are migratory, undertaking long-distance journeys to wintering grounds in Africa during the non-breeding season. Conservation efforts focusing on habitat preservation and controlling pesticide use are essential for ensuring the continued survival of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater population in Pakistan.