Chestnut-headed Bee-eater

Identification

The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is a small, richly coloured bird measuring 18–20 cm in length. Its most distinctive feature is its bright chestnut crown, nape, and ear-coverts, which contrast beautifully with its predominantly green plumage. The rump and upper tail coverts are pale shining blue, while the face, chin, and throat are yellow, marked by a thin black eye stripe. A broad chestnut band extends across the lower throat and sides of the neck, followed by a striking black gorget and ill-defined yellow band on the breast. The remainder of the underparts are green, tinged with blue on the vent and undertail coverts. This species has a thin, curved black bill and distinctive red iris. The sexes are alike, though juveniles are noticeably duller, with green (rather than chestnut) on the forehead and forecrown, and a more subdued overall appearance. Unlike most bee-eaters, it lacks the elongated central tail feathers characteristic of many relatives.

Range & Habitat

The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with its range extending from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka through Indochina and the Malay Peninsula to Indonesia, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, and the Andaman Islands. Three subspecies are recognized, with the nominate race occupying the mainland and Sri Lanka, while quinticolor is restricted to the southern Sunda Islands, and andamanensis inhabits the Andamans.

This species breeds in subtropical open woodland, showing a preference for highland areas where it is most commonly encountered. Its affinity for elevation and open terrain makes it a characteristic bird of foothill and mountain regions throughout its range.

Behaviour & Diet

Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters are gregarious birds, feeding and roosting communally in small groups. They typically nest in colonies, excavating relatively long tunnels in sandy banks where they lay clutches of five to six spherical white eggs. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties, demonstrating strong pair bonds and cooperative breeding behaviour.

As their name suggests, these birds are specialist insectivores, predominantly hunting bees, wasps, and hornets in flight, which they capture with characteristic aerial sorties from open perches. They typically hunt from exposed vantage points, making rapid sallies to snatch prey from the air. Occasionally, they have been observed feeding on fish while flying over water, demonstrating some dietary flexibility.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is most readily observed in highland areas of subtropical open woodland throughout its range—particularly in the foothills and mountains of India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. During the breeding season, colonial nesting sites in sandy banks offer excellent opportunities for observation, as birds are particularly active and visible. The species' gregarious habits mean that sightings often involve multiple individuals, particularly during communal feeding and roosting periods.

Photography Tips

Photographing this colourful bee-eater is rewarding but requires patience and proper technique. Position yourself near active perches where birds make their hunting sorties—these open vantage points make ideal shooting positions with clean backgrounds. The bird's vibrant plumage—chestnut crown, yellow face, green back, and blue rump—shows best in good light, so aim for early morning or late afternoon shooting when the sun accentuates these colours. Use a fast shutter speed to capture birds in flight during their aerial insect-catching dives. When photographing colonies at nesting sites, approach carefully to avoid disturbing breeding birds, and be prepared for sudden flight as these swift, agile birds move quickly between perches.