The blue-cheeked bee-eater is a species of bee-eater that breeds in Northern Africa and the Middle East from eastern Turkey to Kazakhstan and India. It is generally strongly migratory, wintering in tropical Africa, although some populations are resident year-round in the Sahel. This species occurs as a rare vagrant north of its breeding range, with most vagrants occurring in Italy and Greece.
Region
North Africa, Middle East, and South-Central Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from North Africa and the Sahel through the Nile Valley and the Middle East to Iran, Central Asia, Pakistan, and northwestern India. Most populations migrate to tropical Africa for the nonbreeding season, though some remain resident in parts of the Sahel. Prefers open semi-arid landscapes, riverine edges, irrigated farmland, and oases with scattered trees or shrubs. Often found near sandy banks suitable for nesting tunnels and near water where flying insects are abundant. Occurs as an occasional vagrant north of the breeding range, especially in southern Europe.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This vivid green bee-eater shows distinctive blue cheeks, a yellow throat bordered by a thin black band, and long central tail streamers. It nests colonially by tunneling into sandy banks and levees. Like other bee-eaters, it deftly removes stingers by striking captured bees and wasps against a perch before swallowing.
Blue-cheeked bee-eater eggs
Blue-cheeked bee-eater with dragon fly kill
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with agile sallies and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms loose to large colonies and communal roosts. Both sexes excavate nesting tunnels in sandy banks, often reusing or extending previous sites. Pairs are monogamous within a season, and birds perch conspicuously between feeding flights.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Calls are liquid, rolling notes, often a mellow prreee or prrt given repeatedly in flight. Flocks keep up a soft, musical chatter over feeding areas and colonies.
