The red-bearded bee-eater is a large species of bee-eater found in southern Myanmar, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra and nearby smaller islands. This species is found in openings in patches of dense forest.
Region
Sundaland
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Myanmar and southern Thailand through the Thai–Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Borneo, and nearby smaller islands. It favors primary and tall secondary evergreen forests, especially clearings, edges, and gaps where sunlight attracts flying insects. Frequently found along forest tracks, rivers, and old logging roads with earthen banks suitable for nesting burrows. It can persist in selectively logged forest and forest–plantation mosaics if canopy cover and interior edges remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Unlike most bee-eaters, the red-bearded bee-eater often hunts alone or in pairs inside forest clearings rather than in open country. It specializes in catching bees and wasps and skillfully removes stings by beating prey on a perch before swallowing. The bright red 'beard' of elongated throat feathers is used in display and is a key identification feature. It tends to be shy and perches quietly in shaded gaps, making it easy to overlook.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, sallying from shaded perches to take flying insects. Nests in burrows excavated in earthen banks, road cuts, or stream sides; both sexes participate in digging and incubation. Pairs maintain small territories around favored feeding gaps and perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of deep, resonant hoots or whoop-like notes, often delivered from a concealed perch. Also emits harsh chaks when excited or during interactions. Calls carry well through forest clearings, especially at dawn.
Plumage
Largely emerald-green with a conspicuous shaggy red throat 'beard'; head shows subtle bluish to violet tones around the forehead and face. Feathers are smooth and sleek with minimal streaking, giving a clean, glossy look in good light. Lacks the long tail streamers typical of many bee-eaters.
Diet
Feeds mainly on bees, wasps, hornets, and other flying insects such as dragonflies and beetles. Captures prey by sallying from a perch and returning to beat it against the branch. Typically removes stingers before swallowing and may consume larger prey items than smaller bee-eaters. Opportunistically takes other aerial insects when abundant.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, clearings, and light gaps where insect activity is concentrated. Often selects shaded perches with clear flight paths near streams, trails, or openings inside dense forest.
