The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is a fairly uncommon breeding resident in Sri Lanka. Apart from the very rare migrant European Bee-eater, it is the bee-eater with the most vivid plumage found on the island, being more colorful than both the Little Green Bee-eater and the Blue-tailed Bee-eater.
Bee-eaters nest in holes dug in the ground. Both parents feed the chicks. As their name suggests, their main diet consists of small insects. It is fascinating to watch them fly in circles to capture flying insects. They are quite predictable, often returning to the same perch after leaving it. This makes them an excellent subject for practicing bird photography in flight. They are also interesting to observe while perched, as they are very active, cleaning themselves and constantly on the lookout for flying insects.
