Rare blue-tailed bee-eaters spotted in Yichang

Two blue-tailed bee-eaters, which are protected birds in China, were spotted nesting near the Manao River in Zhijiang, Yichang on Wednesday.

This is the first time this species has been spotted in Zhijiang City, although they have been seen in other parts of Yichang.

With their dark red neck feathers and sapphire tail feathers, they have been lauded as "China's most beautiful bird". Common in South and Southeast Asia, they migrate to Yichang at the approach of summer.
The colorful and gregarious birds choose to nest on sandy ground, which makes them highly vulnerable to human activity and more difficult to protect.

As their name suggests, blue-tailed bee-eaters hunt bees, in addition to butterflies and dragonflies, catching them in mid-air.

“The Manao River area suits them, with dragonflies, butterflies and bees providing abundant food resources,” said Yuan Tao, head of the Forest and Wildlife Protection Station in Zhijiang City.

The station will enhance its bird monitoring and daily patrols to protect the bee-eaters, according to Yuan.