First breeding record of Blue-cheeked Bee-eater discovered in Peninsular India

The discovery of a new breeding ground of Blue-cheeked Bee-eater in Tamil Nadu marks the southernmost breeding range of the avian species in the Indian subcontinent.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The first breeding site of the Blue-Cheeked Bee-eater (merops persicus) in peninsular India has been discovered in the saltpans of Aandivilai near the Manakudy Mangroves in Kanniyakumari district.

An article published in the international ornithological journal Ornis Hungarica in December, 2024, confirmed the breeding record of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater in peninsular India. The research was conducted by a team comprising R. Kishore, researcher from Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History along with Anand Shibu, Vinod Sadhasivan and Ajil Yesudhas of Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation.

Recognised by its shimmering green plumage, distinctive blue cheek patch, and graceful tail streamers, the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater was historically known as passage migrant and winter visitor in India. Its breeding was primarily recorded in regions such as Nile Delta, Pakistan, and Iran while its wintering grounds include parts of Africa.

The discovery of a new breeding ground in Tamil Nadu marks the southernmost breeding range of the avian species in the Indian subcontinent, shifting its status from seasonal visitor to a year round resident.

The study was conducted along the Pazhayar Basin covering Periyakulam, Manakudy Mangroves, Puthalam, and Andivilai regions from January 2022 to October 2023. During one of the surveys, a flock of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters was found.

As the birds engaged in courtship, researchers located their nesting sites. Some breeding burrows of the bird were eventually found along the saltpans of Pazhayar river basin.

In the process, the bird’s breeding behaviour was recorded at different times of the day and they were found at the nesting sites throughout the year, except in February. During the time of research, the breeding season began with 28 birds and by the end 48 individuals were observed, indicating successful breeding in the colony.

Mr. Sadhasivan told The Hindu on Thursday that the breeding ground of these birds faced multiple threats, including habitat destruction, from developmental activities, and anthropogenic pressures.

Although the site falls within the designated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and No Development Zone, it remains vulnerable to a large-scale development projects. He added that the fragile habitat is at the risk of natural events such as flooding and erosion.

Despite these challenges, Aandivilai nesting colony stands as testament to adaptability of the species. He urged the authorities to protect the nesting sites of Blue-cheeked Bee-eater as this serves as the only known hub for breeding population in the country.