Blue–cheeked bee–eater: Red Data Book of Armenia

Bee–eaters - Meropidae

Status. A rare species of limited distribution. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Distribution. Spread from Northern Egypt and the Middle East to Kazakhstan and Northeastern India.

Distribution in Armenia. Semi–deserts of the Ararat Valley.

Habitats. Steep slopes or hilly areas covered with semi–desert vegetation. Habitat loss is intensive because of agricultural use.

Biological traits. Usually, it digs dens of length 0.3–0.8 m in the precipices or hills. The clutch consists of 5–6 eggs. The brooding period is ca. 20 days. Flitting families can be observed in July–August.

Population size and its trends. A very rare species in Armenia.

Major threats. Being very similar to the European bee–eater, it has been intensively wiped out by bee–keepers.

Conservation measures. Not specially protected. It is essential to raise public awareness about the importance of conservation of this species.