This striking bird is characterized by its bluish-green forehead, a prominent long blue streak running from the throat down to the breast, and a subdued yellow belly adorned with green streaks.
Meet the Blue-bearded Bee-eater:
“Blue-bearded Bee-eater (मधुमक्षी भक्षका)” by Creepanta is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Description
The Nyctyornis athertoni (Nyctyornis athertoni), commonly known as the blue-bearded bee-eater boasts lengthy chin feathers that can be raised to resemble a “beard.” It is notably the largest member of the bee-eater family, with adults measuring between 31 to 35 cm (12 to 14 inches) in length and weighing in at 70 to 93 grams (2.5 to 3.3 ounces). These birds are recognized by their large sickle-shaped bills and square-ended tails that lack the “wires” seen in smaller bee-eater species. Their overall appearance features grass-green plumage with a turquoise forehead, face, and chin. The elongated throat feathers create a bearded effect when fluffed. Their bellies exhibit yellowish to olive hues with streaks of green or blue.
“Blue-bearded Bee-eater – Kang Kra Chan – Thailand_S4E5295” by fveronesi1 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
It’s worth noting that male and female blue-bearded bee-eaters look similar, although the ultraviolet reflectivity of the male’s blue throat feathers is higher than that of the female.
The species is named in honor of Lieut. John Atherton (13th Light Dragoons, who passed away in 1827), a nephew of Mrs. P. J. Selby, who acquired a specimen of this bird. Selby, along with Sir William Jardine, described the species in their work “Illustrations of Ornithology,” published in 1828.
“abejaruco barbiazul, abelharuco-azuláceo, blue-bearded bee-eater, guêpier à barbe bleue” by ian_dugdale is licensed under CC BY 4.0. (cropped)
Distribution and Habitat
This is a distinctive species of bee-eater inhabiting various regions across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
“File:W0A1457 – Copy (2).jpg” by Sammykay007 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
These striking birds are typically found in forest clearings, predominantly in the Malayan region, with some extending westward into peninsular India. They thrive in a variety of habitats, primarily at medium altitudes below 2000 meters. Their typical habitat consists of forests ranging from thin to fairly thick, often with clearings. These birds are typically encountered either individually or in small groups of up to three individuals and have a patchy distribution across their range. Detecting their presence in an area can be challenging.
“abejaruco barbiazul, abelharuco-azuláceo, blue-bearded bee-eater, guêpier à barbe bleue” by Rejoice Gassah is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Their unique feature is the elongated blue feathers on their throat, which give them their intriguing name. Despite their loud calls, they are less social and active compared to smaller bee-eater species. Notably, their square-ended tail lacks the characteristic “wires” formed by the shafts of longer central tail feathers found in many other bee-eaters.
“File:Blue-bearded Bee-eater – Kang Kra Chan – Thailand S4E5299 (14072093858).jpg” by Francesco Veronesi from Italy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Behavior and Ecology
Their primary diet consists of bees, and they employ a unique strategy when dealing with Giant honey bee colonies. They provoke these colonies, causing the release of guard bees, which they catch and consume in mid-air. While they mainly forage using aerial sallies, they occasionally glean from tree bark. Blue-bearded bee-eaters may also associate with mixed-species foraging flocks and have been observed near the flowers of Erythrina and Salmalia, although their exact dietary preference in these situations remains unclear.
“File:Blue-bearded Bee-eater-Nyctyornis athertoni.JPG” by K.Mohan Raj is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
These bee-eaters are known for their loud calls, although they don’t call frequently. They are less active compared to their smaller counterparts. Their calls include cackling hornbill-like sounds, a dry “Kit-tik… Kit-tik” series, or hollow nasal “kyao” calls. Pairs may engage in duets, characterized by cackling and rattling sounds, concluding with short purring notes. Their flight pattern is undulating and reminiscent of barbets.
“File:Nyctyornis athertoni – Khao Yai.jpg” by JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Breeding for the blue-bearded bee-eater typically occurs between February and August in India. Courtship involves ritualistic feeding, bowing, and tail fanning. Nest excavation may commence about a month before egg-laying. These birds build deep tunnels in mud banks where they lay four spherical, white eggs.
“File:Blue bearded Bee eater.jpg” by Chesano is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Listen to this bird next:
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