Red-bearded Bee-eater

Overview

The red-bearded bee-eater (Nyctyornis amictus) is a large bee-eater found in southern Myanmar, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and nearby smaller islands. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Predominantly green plumage with red colouration on the face extending onto slightly hanging throat feathers to form a 'beard'.
• Large size with long tails, long decurved beaks, and pointed wings.
• Orange eyes.

Habitat

This species occupies openings in patches of dense forest. Its range includes southern Myanmar, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and nearby smaller islands.

Diet

The bird predominantly eats insects, especially bees, wasps, and hornets. It catches prey in flight from perches concealed in foliage, hunting alone or in pairs and sitting motionless for long periods before pursuing its targets.

Did you know?

Although it nests in burrows tunnelled into the side of sandy banks like other bee-eaters, it does not form colonies.