Psilopogon zeylanicus
The Brown-headed Barbet (Psilopogon zeylanicus) is a captivating, medium-sized avian resident of the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its vibrant green plumage and uniquely patterned head. Averaging about 27 cm (11 inches) in length and weighing between 100-150 grams, this plump, short-necked bird possesses a large head and a stout, pale yellow bill tipped with black. Its most distinctive field marks include a chocolate-brown head adorned with a broad yellow supercilium (stripe above the...
Found in a variety of wooded habitats, including moist deciduous and evergreen forests, open woodlands, orchards, gardens, plantations, and even urban parks with large trees. It typically inhabits lowlands up to moderate elevations of around 1,500 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, its diet consists overwhelmingly of various wild and cultivated fruits, with figs being a particular favorite. They also supplement their fruit intake with a small number of insects, which are often fed to their young.
The Brown-headed Barbet is a diurnal species, active from dawn to dusk, often roosting individually or in pairs within tree cavities they excavate or find. Its foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning fruits from the canopy, particularly figs, but it will also opportunistically consume insec...
The Brown-headed Barbet is a resident species found exclusively across the Indian subcontinent. Its primary breeding range encompasses much of peninsular India, extending north into parts of Nepal and Bangladesh, and west into isolated areas of Pakistan (primarily Sindh). There are three recogniz...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the rhythmic call of the Brown-headed Barbet is sometimes confused with its relative, the 'Coppersmith Barbet', both known for their metallic-sounding calls. - These birds are master carpenters, using their strong bills to excavate their own nesting cavities in deadwood...