European Bee-eater

Merops apiaster (Linnaeus, 1758)

		adult juvenile in flight
2010-05-17 Talgar, Almaty oblast 2005-08-11 Shien, Dzhambyl region, Almaty oblast2011-05-28 Kastek, Zhambyl oblast, Almaty oblast	© Nurlan Kalchinov © Askar Isabekov© Raufael Bairashev

Distribution

Breeds mostly in southern half of Kazakhstan, in north to lower reaches of Ilek river and Aktau mountains, Naurzum, Uly-Zhilanchik, southern coast of Balkhash lake, Semipalatinsk, Berezovka and Narym villages . Dispersal birds were observed 28 August 1958 near Zharkol lake, to south of Ishim river and 23 May 1978 in Kurgaldzhino. On migration occurs in south from breeding range.

Biology

Common breeding migrant. Inhabits the open plain or hilly landscapes with soil or clay precipices; the river valleys and shores of lakes, especially near villages and towns. Appears in second half of April – mid-May in flocks of 10-70 birds. At Chokpak Pass latest migrants recorded in end of May. Breeds in colonies numbering from few to 30-40 pairs, by singly pair very rare. Nest is located in precipice hole depth of 1-2 m, excavated by both partners for 10-15 days; hole is finished by nest chamber without any lining. Later there is a layer of eructated the chitinous covering of insects. Clutch of 4-7 eggs is laid in end of May – June. Both parents incubate for about 20 days and then feed juveniles, which fledge at age about a month, in end July to first half of August. As soon as juveniles fledge the birds begin to disperse, and gather on wires along the roads and especially near apiaries. Intensive autumn migration is in first half of September, by flocks (adults and juveniles together) of several dozen up to 100-150 birds. Latest birds recorded in end of October.

References

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005. Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999. "Жизнь Животных" том 5. Птицы. Москва. "Просвещение", 1970. В.К.Рябицев. "Птицы Урала, Приуралья и Западной Сибири". Екатеринбург. Изд-во Уральского университета, 2000.