Blue-bearded Bee-eater

The Blue-bearded Bee-eater, scientifically known as Nyctyornis athertoni, is a striking member of the bee-eater family. This species is notable for its size, being one of the largest bee-eaters, with adults measuring between 31 to 35 cm in length and weighing between 70 to 93 grams. Its most distinctive feature is the blue feathers on its throat, which are elongated and can be fluffed out, giving the bird its bearded appearance. The bird's plumage is primarily grass green, with a turquoise forehead, face, and chin, and a yellowish to olive belly with streaks of green or blue.

Identification Tips

To identify the Blue-bearded Bee-eater, look for its large sickle-shaped bill and the absence of the "wires" or elongated central tail feathers that are typical of smaller bee-eaters. The square-ended tail is another key characteristic. Males and females appear similar, but the blue throat feathers of the male exhibit higher ultraviolet reflectivity.

Habitat

This species prefers forest clearings and is typically found at medium altitudes, but below 2000 meters. It thrives in thin to fairly thick forests with clearings, where it can be seen singly or in small groups.

Distribution

The Blue-bearded Bee-eater is found across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It is mainly present in the Malayan region but extends west into peninsular India. The species is patchily distributed and can be easily overlooked in its natural habitat.

Behaviour

The Blue-bearded Bee-eater is less gregarious and active compared to its smaller relatives. Its flight is undulating and resembles that of a barbet. The bird is known for its loud, hornbill-like calls, which include a series of dry "Kit-tik" sounds or hollow nasal "kyao" calls. During the breeding season, pairs engage in duets that end in purring notes.

Song & Calls

The species has a repertoire of calls, including cackling and rattling sounds, which are used in communication and during courtship.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from February to August in India. Courtship displays involve ritual feeding and tail fanning. The nest is a tunnel excavated in a vertical mud bank, where the female lays four spherical white eggs.

Diet and Feeding

The Blue-bearded Bee-eater primarily feeds on bees, exploiting the defensive behavior of Giant honey bees by catching guard bees in flight. It also gleans insects from tree bark and may occasionally join mixed-species foraging flocks.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Blue-bearded Bee-eater as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.