European Bee-eater

Merops apiaster

Armenian Name: Ոսկեգույն մեղվակեր
European Bee-eater

See Plate 37 for European Bee-eater and other similar species

Resident Status: Breeding bird
Abundance: Common
Length:27-29 cm, Wing Span:44-49 cm
Distribution Map: Map 191.
Description: Bright multicolored bird with decurved bill and short central tail projections.
Adult: Yellow throat and brown-red and yellow pattern on upperparts. In non-breeding plumage, blue feathers have green tips.
Juvenile: Green mantle, scapulars, and upperwing; lacks tail projections.
Similar Species: Differs from Blue-cheeked Bee-eater by contrasting color pattern above, brown-red crown, and yellow throat.
Behavior: Gregarious. Agile flight with sudden dives, twists, and turns. Short purring call often heard, but birds can be very difficult to see when flying high.
Habitat: Semidesert, mountain steppe; widespread on migration.
Food: Insects, primarily bees and wasps.
Nest: Burrow in sand or clay bank.
Eggs: 26 mm, 6-7, white.