Least Concern

A large and robust bee-eater, about 31–35 cm long. It has a green body, bluish face and throat, and a distinctive shaggy blue “beard” below the bill. Its bill is long and slightly decurved.

Resident species, mostly sedentary, though some local movements occur depending on food availability.

— (Non-migratory)

Typically March to June in India and Southeast Asia. Nests are burrows excavated in forest banks or earth cuttings, often shaded by vegetation.

Forested regions, hilly terrain, and open woodland clearings, especially along forest edges and near streams.

Prefers tropical and subtropical forests, including evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. Often perches quietly inside forest canopies or on open branches before swooping on flying insects.

Feeds primarily on bees, wasps, and other flying insects, which it catches in mid-air. Often removes the sting by beating prey against a perch before swallowing.