Skip to main content

Chestnut-headed bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)

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.

Please don't use these images anywhere without permission. © All rights reserved by Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian Subcontinent: A Complete Guide

Discover everything about the Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian subcontinent -habitat, behavior, diet, breeding, and how to attract them to your garden The Eurasian Collared Dove ( Streptopelia decaocto ) is one of the most graceful and recognizable birds found across the Indian subcontinent. With its soft cooing, elegant pale feathers, and distinctive black “collar,” this dove has become a familiar sight in urban, rural, and semi-wild areas. Though native to parts of Asia and Europe, this species has expanded its range dramatically in recent decades. In this blog post, we explore everything you need to know about the Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian context — from identification and behavior to habitat, feeding habits, and conservation status. Eurasian collared dove Appearance and Identification The Eurasian Collared Dove is a medium-sized dove, about 32–34 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 47–55 cm . Its most distinguishing feature is the narrow black cresc...

Top Migratory Birds of India

Discover the incredible  migratory birds in India  every winter—from flamingos to cranes and geese. Explore top birding locations and migration facts. India is one of the most important wintering grounds for migratory birds from across the world. Each year, as temperatures plummet in Central Asia, Europe, and the Arctic, thousands of birds undertake incredible journeys to reach India’s warmer wetlands, coasts, forests, and lakes. These annual migrations not only bring new life to Indian landscapes but also offer a thrilling experience for birdwatchers. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most remarkable migratory bird species that visit India during the winter months, their migratory paths, key habitats, and how to spot them. Why Birds Migrate to India in Winter Birds migrate for two main reasons: to escape freezing temperatures and to find food. India’s diverse ecosystems—from wetlands and grasslands to forests and coasts—provide ideal stopovers and wintering grounds ...

what does munia bird eat

what does munia bird eat The Munia bird, a small finch-like creature, sustains itself primarily on a diet of seeds. In its natural habitat, it forages for a variety of seeds, such as millet, canary grass, and other wild grass seeds. Its beak is adept at cracking open these seeds, providing it with essential nutrients and energy. During breeding season, Munias may supplement their diet with insects and green vegetation to meet the increased nutritional demands for raising their offspring. Whether in the wild or in captivity, Munias thrive on a seed-rich diet, occasionally incorporating insects and greens for added nourishment.