Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti) – A Detailed Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Scientific Name: Merops leschenaulti
• Common Name: Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
• Family: Meropidae (Bee-eater family)
• Order: Coraciiformes
• Genus: Merops
• Species: leschenaulti

The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is a medium-sized, vibrant bird belonging to the Meropidae family, known for its agile flight and aerial insect-hunting skills. It is closely related to other bee-eaters like the Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) and the Little Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis).

Morphological Features

Size & Dimensions

• Length: 18–20 cm (7–8 inches)
• Wingspan: 25–30 cm
• Weight: Around 20–30 grams

Coloration & Plumage

• Head & Crown: Rich chestnut brown (reddish-orange)
• Throat: Bright golden-yellow
• Upperparts: Greenish with blue-tinted wings
• Underparts: Pale greenish-yellow
• Tail: Long and tapering, with blue hints and extended central feathers
• Eyes: Deep crimson red, giving an intense gaze
• Beak: Black, slender, slightly curved
• Legs & Feet: Dark grey

Distinctive Features

• Rich chestnut-colored head, which distinguishes it from other bee-eaters.
• Bright yellow throat with a black eye stripe, giving it a striking look.
• Slender, pointed wings and long tail, aiding in swift, acrobatic flight.

Habitat & Distribution

General Habitat

The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater prefers open and semi-wooded habitats, including:

• Mangroves and coastal regions
• Tropical and subtropical forests
• Riverbanks and estuaries
• Open grasslands and agricultural fields
• Hilly regions and lightly wooded areas

Global Distribution

This species is widespread across South and Southeast Asia, including:

• Indian Subcontinent: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal
• Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia
• Southern China and Taiwan

Presence in Sundarban

The Sundarban mangrove ecosystem provides an excellent habitat for the Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, especially in open clearings, riverbanks, and sandy estuarine regions.

• It is commonly spotted perched on exposed tree branches and deadwood along the water channels.
• Prefers nesting in sandy banks near the rivers and creeks of Sundarban.
• During winter and migration periods (September to April), populations in Sundarban increase as migratory groups join the resident population.
• The abundance of insects in Sundarban ensures a stable food source.

Diet & Feeding Behavior

The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is an aerial insectivore, specializing in catching flying insects mid-air. Its diet includes:

• Bees and wasps (primary prey, hence the name)
• Dragonflies and damselflies
• Termites and flying ants
• Butterflies and moths
• Grasshoppers and beetles

Hunting Techniques

• Perches on high branches in open areas to spot prey.
• Performs swift aerial dives to catch insects in flight.
• If the prey has a stinger (like bees and wasps), it rubs them on a branch to remove the venom before swallowing.
• Often seen hunting in small flocks, engaging in synchronized flights.

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: March to June (depending on region).
• Nesting Sites: Prefers sandy banks, eroded river cliffs, and soft soil areas.
• Nesting Style: Digs tunnels up to 1 meter deep in soft soil or sand.
• Eggs: Typically 4–7 white eggs in a clutch.
• Incubation Period: Around 20–23 days.
• Parental Care: Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks, which fledge in about 30 days.

Nesting in Sundarban

• The soft sandy soil along the riverbanks in Sundarban is an ideal nesting ground.
• Flooding risk in the mangrove ecosystem sometimes affects nest survival.
• Some nesting areas are protected within Sundarban National Park, ensuring safety from human interference.

Vocalization & Communication

• Call: A sharp, repetitive “prree-prree” or “chree-chree” sound, often heard when in flight.
• Purpose: Used for territorial defense, flock communication, and alarm signals.
• Social Behavior: They forage and migrate in flocks, maintaining vocal contact.

Conservation Status & Threats

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

Although this species has a stable global population, certain threats persist:

• Habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion.
• Pesticide use in agriculture affects insect populations, reducing food availability.
• Disturbance at nesting sites, especially along sandy banks and mangroves.
• Climate change and rising water levels threaten nesting areas in Sundarban.

Conservation Efforts in Sundarban

• The Sundarban Tiger Reserve and National Park provide protection to their habitat.
• Eco-tourism initiatives raise awareness about bee-eaters and their ecological role.
• Conservation groups promote reducing pesticide use near Sundarban’s buffer zones.

Ecological Role in Sundarban

• Regulates insect populations, controlling bee and wasp populations naturally.
• Acts as a bio-indicator species, reflecting the health of the ecosystem.
• Its burrowing in sandbanks aerates the soil, benefiting the ecosystem.
• Serves as prey for larger raptors like falcons, maintaining the food web.

Conclusion

The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti) is a striking, agile, and ecologically important species found in Sundarban and other tropical regions of Asia. With its brilliant coloration, aerial hunting skills, and crucial role in insect population control, it is a key part of Sundarban’s ecosystem.

While the species is not endangered, conservation measures such as habitat preservation, controlled pesticide usage, and awareness programs will ensure its continued survival. The Sundarban’s protected status and rich biodiversity provide an excellent environment for this fascinating bee-eater to thrive.