Lingmethang Road, Mongar, Bhutan
April 2008

The Blue-bearded Bee-eater is a large bee-eater distributed along the Himalayas and into southern and eastern China, Indochina, Thailand and Myanmar with disjunct populations in the Western and Eastern Ghats of India.

It is found in deciduous and evergreen forests and forest clearings up to about 2,200 metres.

Upperparts are mainly green with a blue forehead. The blue beard is formed by long, blue feathers on the throat which are puffed out when the bird calls. Remaining underparts are a rich buff with green streaks.

Photo 3 shows a pair indulging in what looked like a food passing mating display.

There are recordings on xeno-canto and additional information on Avibase.