05/06/2026
The Living Ghats | Chestnut-headed bee-eater
In the Western Ghats, the Chestnut-headed bee-eater is commonly found in open forest edges, clearings, and near water bodies. It typically perches on exposed branches or wires, from where it scans the surroundings for flying insects.
It feeds primarily on aerial insects such as bees, wasps, and dragonflies. From a perch, it makes short, direct flights to capture prey in the air before returning to the same or a nearby perch. Larger or stinging prey are often beaten against a surface to remove stings before being consumed.
The species is usually seen in small groups and is often vocal, producing soft, rolling calls while in flight or when perched.
Active during the day, it alternates between perching, foraging flights, and social interactions, often returning repeatedly to favored perches within its feeding area.