The chestnut-headed bee-eater, or bay-headed bee-eater, is a bird in the bee-eater family Meropidae. It breeds on the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions, ranging from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka across Southeast Asia to Indonesia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds and occurs from the Indian subcontinent (including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh) east through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to Peninsular Malaysia and parts of Indonesia. It favors open woodland, forest edges, riverbanks, plantations, and clearings near water. Birds commonly perch on wires, dead branches, or exposed snags overlooking open ground. It uses sandy banks, eroded edges, and similar substrates for nesting colonies.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the bay-headed bee-eater, this species hunts on the wing, sallying out from exposed perches to snatch bees, wasps, and dragonflies. Before swallowing stinging insects, it repeatedly beats them against a perch to remove the sting. It nests colonially by tunneling into sandy banks or flat ground. Its vivid chestnut head and yellow throat make it one of the most striking small bee-eaters in Asia.
In West Bali National Park, Indonesia
In Kerala, India
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Often perches in small groups and forms loose colonies during breeding. Both sexes excavate nesting tunnels in sandy or soft soil banks and share incubation and chick rearing. Territorial at nest sites but tolerant of neighbors in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives soft, rolling trills and liquid prreee or prrt notes while in flight and from perches. Calls are mellow, far-carrying, and frequently exchanged between flock members.
Plumage
Glossy green upperparts and underparts with a rich chestnut head and nape; bright yellow throat bordered below by a narrow black gorget line; blue on the rump and undertail; elongated central tail feathers.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, dragonflies, beetles, and butterflies. Captured hymenopterans are typically subdued and de-stung by bashing them against a perch before swallowing. Prey is located visually from an exposed perch and taken in swift aerial sorties.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, river corridors, agricultural fields, and open country with scattered trees or wires for perching. Often forages above water bodies where dragonflies are abundant.
