Blue-tailed bee-eaters are unique for their richly colored feathers. [Photo/sunnews.cn]

Groups of blue-tailed bee-eaters are currently residing in the Wuyuan Bay Natural Reserve in Xiamen, East Chins Fujian province.

The birds, which are often hailed as "the most beautiful migratory birds in China", are attracting birdwatchers and photographers from all over the country.

"About 120 blue-tailed bee-eaters were seen in the Wuyuan Bay Natural Reserve this year. It is the largest annual population of the species since the reserve was established," said Ling Feihe, a birdwatcher from the Xiamen Bird Watching Association.

When nesting, the birds use their talons and long beaks to dig holes in the walls. In order to make things more comfortable for the birds, the staff of the reserve cleared weeds and prepared drinking water in advance. They also built more than 1,000 square meters of nesting area for the birds.

The blue-tailed bee-eater is a rare species of bird found mainly in Southeast Asia and characterized by its richly colored feathers. As its name suggests, it primarily eats bees, wasps, butterflies, dragonflies, and other flying insects.

Blue-tailed bee-eaters nest in the Wuyuan Bay Natural Reserve in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province. [Photo/sunnews.cn]