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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Merops persicus
Blue-cheeked bee-eater. Greek: πράσινος μελισσοφάγος. Kalathos, September 2023.
Very rare vagrant. Brief resting and feeding stopovers apparently by individuals accidentally migrating with flocks of European bee-eaters. Length 28-31 cm, wingspan 45-50 cm. Sexes similar. Graceful, acrobatic flyer. Power lines in fields are favourite hawking perches. Takes dragonflies, wasps, hornets and other insects on the wing. Beats and rubs venomous prey against perch to render it safe for consumption.
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