Chestnut-headed bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)

Chestnut-headed bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)

The Chestnut-headed bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti) is a colorful bird found in South and Southeast Asia. As its name suggests, it has a distinctive chestnut-colored head contrasting with green plumage on its upperparts and a yellow throat. It belongs to the family Meropidae, which includes bee-eaters known for their vibrant plumage and aerial feeding habits.

These bee-eaters primarily feed on insects, especially bees and wasps, which they catch on the wing. They are often seen perched on branches or wires, waiting for prey to fly by. Chestnut-headed bee-eaters are migratory birds, and they breed in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, then migrate to warmer regions during the winter.

Their breeding season usually begins around March to April, where they excavate tunnels in sandy banks or cliffs for nesting. The female lays a clutch of eggs, typically ranging from 2 to 5, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

Chestnut-headed bee-eaters are known for their aerial acrobatics and beautiful calls, making them a delight to observe in their natural habitat. They are often found in open woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas where there is an abundance of insects for them to feed on.

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Birds of Indian Subcontinent

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