BIRDS DIVERSITY
KINGFISHERS & BEE-EATERS
Kingfishers and bee-eaters are among the most visually striking and behaviourally fascinating bird groups of the Indus Delta mangrove ecosystem. Closely associated with waterways, creeks, and open mudflats, kingfishers are expertly adapted for hunting aquatic prey, using their sharp vision and rapid plunge-diving technique to capture fish and small crustaceans with remarkable precision. Bee-eaters, on the other hand, are aerial specialists, feeding primarily on flying insects such as bees, dragonflies, and wasps, which they skillfully catch in mid-air before returning to perches within open scrub or mangrove edges.
Least concern
Asian Green-bee Eater
Merops orientalis
Habitat
Open scrubland, sandy ground near mangrove edges, coastal plains, and low vegetation.
Diet
Bees, wasps, dragonflies, beetles, and other flying insects caught in fast aerial pursuits from low perches.
Least concern
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
Merops persicus
Habitat
Open sandy areas, scrubland edges, coastal plains, and mangrove margins with clear airspace for aerial hunting.
Diet
Bees, wasps, dragonflies, butterflies, and other large flying insects caught in aerial sallies from exposed perches.
Least concern
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Habitat
Mangrove-lined tidal creeks, estuarine channels, small coastal pools, and freshwater bodies.
Diet
Small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans caught in fast, low plunge-dives from waterside perches.
Least concern
Pied Kingfisher
Ceryle rudis
Habitat
Mangrove creeks, tidal channels, coastal lagoons, estuaries, and open water bodies.
Diet
Small fish caught by hovering at height above the water then plunge-diving vertically.
Least concern
White-throated Kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis
Habitat
Mangrove edges, scrubland, agricultural land, and gardens near the project area.
Diet
Fish, frogs, lizards, large insects, crabs, earthworms, and small snakes caught by diving from elevated perches.