The first registered breeding of the European bee-eater ( Merops apiaster L.) in the region of Tver (Russia)

The first registered breeding of the European Bee-eater in the region of Tver is described. A favorable combination of climatic and natural conditions caused the breeding of bee-eaters behind the northernmost borders of their regular breeding area. Observations over the period from the end of May till the beginning of August introduce the developmental dynamic and peculiarities of existence of the colony, as well as its interactions with other species of vertebrates. Despite the failure of secondary nesting of one of the pairs, the colony, consisting of two breeding pairs, can be recognized as successful. There were at least four nestlings, which successfully left the nests. Four young birds, probably of the last year brood, appeared sometime on the course of colony development.