The Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater (Merops persicus) has recently been confirmed to breed in peninsular India,

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The Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater (Merops persicus) has recently been confirmed to breed in peninsular India, with its breeding grounds discovered in the saltpans of Aandivilai, near the Manakudy Mangroves in Kanniyakumari district.

Characteristics Of Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater

This bird is recognized for its striking green feathers and characteristic blue cheek patches. It also boasts long tail streamers that contribute to its elegant appearance. The Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater was once considered a passage migrant and winter visitor to India, with its breeding grounds primarily found in regions like the Nile Delta, Pakistan, and Iran, while it migrated to parts of Africa for the winter months.

Discovery Of Breeding Grounds

The nesting site discovered in Tamil Nadu marks the southernmost point of the Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater’s range within the Indian subcontinent. Research conducted between January 2022 and October 2023 involved extensive surveys in the Pazhayar Basin, covering locations such as Periyakulam, Manakudy Mangroves, Puthalam, and Aandivilai. During the study, researchers witnessed courtship displays and identified nesting areas in the saltpans of the Pazhayar River basin.

Breeding Behaviour And Population Growth

At the start of the study, 28 birds were observed, but by the end of the research, the number had increased to 48, reflecting successful breeding. The birds were regularly spotted at their nesting sites year-round, except during February. This data suggests a healthy and expanding population at this location.

Threats To Breeding Site

The Aandivilai nesting colony, although located within a Coastal Regulation Zone and a No Development Zone, is not immune to threats. Developmental activities pose significant risks to the habitat, while natural events like flooding and erosion also jeopardize the delicate environment where the Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater breeds.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation experts have called for protective measures to preserve this crucial nesting site, which is the only known breeding area for the species in India. Safeguarding the site is essential to ensuring the continued survival of the Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater in this newly established region.

Habitat And Behavioural Adaptations

The Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater prefers semi-desert, subtropical areas with sparse tree coverage for its nesting. It may either nest alone or in small colonies and often shares its nesting sites with the European Bee-Eater. During the non-breeding season, the species inhabits more lush, green habitats, showcasing its adaptability to different environments.

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