### Identification A true jewel of the Asian forest, the Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is most easily recognized by its namesake: a rich, burnt-orange crown, nape, and upper back that glows in the sunlight. Its throat is a pale, creamy yellow, neatly underlined by a thin, dark gorget. While it shares the vibrant green wings of its cousins, look closely at the tail—unlike the Blue-tailed or Green Bee-eaters, *M. leschenaulti* lacks long central streamers, possessing a clean, square-ended tail instead. In flight, keep an eye out for a brilliant flash of cerulean-blue on its rump, a striking contrast against the forest canopy.
### Habitat & Range This species is a hallmark of the Indo-Malayan realm, ranging from the Indian subcontinent through Indochina to Java. You won’t find them in deep, dark jungles; instead, they prefer "edge" habitats—open woodlands, clearings, and tea plantations. They are particularly fond of areas near water, where sandy riverbanks provide the soft substrate necessary for their subterranean nurseries.
### Behaviour Highly social and vocal, these birds are often seen in small, chattering parties perched on exposed snags or telephone wires. Their flight is a masterclass in aerial agility—a series of rapid flaps followed by a graceful, triangular glide. When breeding, they are colonial nesters, working together to excavate tunnels up to two meters deep into vertical earthen banks.
### Diet As their name implies, they are specialists in Hymenoptera (bees and wasps). They hunt from a high "sallying" perch, darting out to snatch prey mid-air with a sharp, audible snap of the bill.
### Fascinating Fact To safely consume venomous prey, this bird performs a "de-stinging" ritual: it returns to its perch and bashes the insect’s head to kill it, then vigorously rubs the bee's abdomen against the wood to discharge the venom and snap off the stinger before swallowing it whole.