Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
They are 27 to 31 centimetres long and weigh about 38 to 50 grams. They shimmer in brilliant colours and are among the most beautiful birds. Their plumage is mainly green, with blue above and below the eyes.
Appearance
They are 27 to 31 centimeters long and weigh about 38 to 50 grams. They shimmer in brilliant colors and are among the most beautiful birds. The plumage is mainly green, with a blue stripe above and below the eyes. Furthermore, the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater has a yellow throat and a brown-colored upper chest area. Particularly striking is the black stripe on the face, which extends over the eye. Females and males look similar, but the female has duller colors. It is a joy to watch it as it chases and catches winged insects, flying rapidly, yet artistically and gracefully just above a water surface.
Behavior
The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater lives in subtropical semi-deserts with a few trees. As it is very sociable, the birds usually live in colonies and build their nests there as well. It digs a tunnel into sandy ground and lays the eggs inside. The mating season and breeding season take place from April to June. Usually, the females lay four to eight white eggs with extremely thin shells. Males and females take turns warming the eggs for 20 to 22 days. The chicks are then fed insects by both males and females. After about 31 to 33 days, the fledglings leave the nesting burrow. The young birds have a greenish head and a greenish back.
Diet
The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater feeds on medium-sized to large insects, mainly hymenopterans. This includes bees, wasps and bumblebees, but butterflies and dragonflies are also on the menu. It also eats beetles and flies. It is not yet considered an endangered bird species.
