In Hubei, beautiful little birds gather

A group of blue-throated bee-eaters gathered recently on a sandbar in Yuliangzhou, Xiangyang, Hubei province, attracting bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The birds, acclaimed by many as the most beautiful small birds in China, are known for their distinctive blue throats and feathers that display a variety of colors, including blue, green, chestnut and black.

In summer, the birds nest and breed in regions south of the Yangtze River. They are commonly found in open areas near the edges of forests and sparse woodlands, in shrubs and on grassy slopes.