Nyctyornis athertoni
The Blue-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni) is a large, strikingly beautiful avian species found across South and Southeast Asia, distinguished by its vibrant green plumage and a prominent, elongated "beard" of pale blue feathers on its throat. Measuring approximately 31-35 cm in length, including its two slightly elongated central tail feathers, and possessing a wingspan of around 35-40 cm, it is among the largest of the bee-eaters. Its deep chestnut throat and upper breast often contr...
Primarily inhabits evergreen and deciduous forests, forest edges, and clearings, often near streams, rivers, or other water sources, typically at foothills and lower montane elevations up to 2,000 meters.
Predominantly consumes large flying insects, with a strong preference for Hymenoptera (bees and wasps), but also preys on dragonflies, butterflies, and beetles, all expertly caught in mid-air from a watchful perch.
This diurnal bee-eater spends much of its day perched quietly on exposed branches, often high in the canopy, scanning for prey. Its primary foraging strategy involves sallying forth from these perches to snatch large flying insects, particularly bees, wasps, and dragonflies, in mid-air. Before co...
The Blue-bearded Bee-eater exhibits a wide but somewhat fragmented distribution across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from the Himalayan foothills of northern India (including states like Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, and Banglades...
Least Concern
- The Blue-bearded Bee-eater is one of the largest bee-eater species in Asia, often reaching over a foot in length. Its size makes it a formidable aerial predator. - Its striking "beard" is not hair, but specially elongated and modified pale blue feathers on its throat, giving it a truly unique a...