The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is a distinctive bee-eater found across South and Southeast Asia. It is easily recognized by its rich chestnut head, bright green body, and black gorget.
Where to spot
Widespread from India and Sri Lanka east through Southeast Asia to Indonesia and China. Inhabits open woodlands, clearings, cultivated areas, and forest edges, often near water.
How to spot
Look for its prominent chestnut head as it perches on exposed branches, wires, or posts. Watch for its agile flights to capture insects. Listen for its distinctive, trilling calls, 'prrrrup' or 'turrr'.
When to spot
Resident in most of its range, observable year-round. Active during the day, with peak foraging in the mornings and evenings.
Where to spot
Widespread from India and Sri Lanka east through Southeast Asia to Indonesia and China. Inhabits open woodlands, clearings, cultivated areas, and forest edges, often near water.
How to spot
Look for its prominent chestnut head as it perches on exposed branches, wires, or posts. Watch for its agile flights to capture insects. Listen for its distinctive, trilling calls, 'prrrrup' or 'turrr'.
When to spot
Resident in most of its range, observable year-round. Active during the day, with peak foraging in the mornings and evenings.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This bee-eater often perches on the backs of grazing animals like cattle or goats, using them as mobile vantage points from which to spot and catch insects flushed by the animals' movement.
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