World Migratory Bird Day was celebrated internationally on 14th May 2022. We celebrated with Mr Sarinda Unamboowe, well known wildlife enthusiast, bird photographer and former Director of BSL, talking to us about our feathered friends that fly to warmer climes for winter and then return home to breed. If you missed it, you can watch on:
https://fb.watch/c-94DFuBfw/
Every year, many bird species move thousands of kilometers. Migration is driven by the availability of food sources and more pleasant weather patterns. Places, where there is plenty of food and birds, may securely build nests. Flyways are the flying pathways that birds use during their annual migrations. A bird’s navigational ability is remarkable, while Scientists are not entirely sure how birds navigate their flyways.
Sri Lanka, a tropical island with various ecosystems, supplying yummy food for these tired travelers, making our country a favorite destination year-round stop for migrating birds.
While the number of migrants expected on our beaches is large, the arrival of the colorful and noticeable species marks the start of the “migration season.” Brightly colored bee-eaters are one of the most intriguing groups of birds among them. They may be found in most of the island’s national parks and bird sanctuaries. Their brightly colored feathers attract the attention of bird watchers.
The Little Green Bee Eater, Chestnut Headed Bee Eater, and Blue Tailed Bee Eater are the only three notable species of bee-eaters found in Sri Lanka.
The migratory Blue-tailed Bee Eaters are lovely to look at, with rich shades of blue and green, and gold on their plumage. They visit us from their breeding grounds in Southeast Asia. They don’t usually nest in trees. Instead, they build colonies on the sides of rivers or in open flat areas. They dig a long tunnel into which they lay approximately 5-7 white eggs.
They’re also known as the “Blue-cheeked Bee-eater” in various regions of the world. A thin blue patch with a black eye stripe and a yellow and brown throat are key distinguishing features on its face. The tail has a stunning iridescent blue color. It has two extended middle tail feathers and can grow to be 23-26 cm long. Both sexes are similar.
The majority of blue-tailed bee-eaters migrate, while small groups settle in the southeastern coastal area as permanent inhabitants. They inhabit the eastern shore of the island, from Bundala to Pottuvil. They may be seen in every corner of the island during the migratory season.
They are expert hunters. Bees, wasps, hornets, and dragonflies are among the insects they consume. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy seeing them demonstrating their aerial dexterity by snatching insects in mid-flight. Their magnificent aerial attacks provide wildlife photographers with a fantastic chance.
They detoxify wasps or bees before eating them. Surprisingly, this little bird can consume roughly 250 bees every day.
Sand bathing is something that bee-eater flocks do practically any day of the year. This is a necessary activity for bee-eaters, who appear to like the sensation of dust on their feathers. It is an attempt to clear their body of parasites.
As social creatures, they frequently appear in groups. Bee-eaters have a sophisticated social system. Many species show monogamy. The couples are highly attached and have been together for many years. Most bee-eater species share this remarkable habit known as courtship feeding. The male collects the prey and feeds his partner during courting.
Let’s ensure that we conserve our habitats so that these much-awaited visitors can enjoy our beautiful island!
