Psilopogon malabaricus
The Malabar Barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) is a striking member of the Asian Barbet family, Megalaimidae, renowned for its vibrant plumage and distinctive vocalizations. This medium-sized barbet measures approximately 17-18 cm (6.7-7.1 inches) in length and weighs around 50-60 grams (1.8-2.1 ounces). Its most distinguishing features include a brilliant grass-green body, a crimson forehead, a bright yellow face and throat, and a prominent blue patch below the eye, accentuated by a black moust...
This barbet primarily inhabits moist deciduous and evergreen forests, forest edges, and shola forests. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of about 1,500 meters (5,000 feet).
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of wild fruits, especially figs, but also supplementing their diet with insects.
Malabar Barbets are generally diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, often spending time in the mid to upper canopy of trees. They roost communally in tree cavities, particularly outside the breeding season, often sharing space with other barbets. Foraging involves meticulously searching for fruits a...
The Malabar Barbet is endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range in southwestern India. Its distribution extends from southern Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka south through Kerala, and into the very southwestern tip of Tamil Nadu. This range forms a relatively continuous band along the western e...
Least Concern
- The Malabar Barbet was once considered a subspecies of the Crimson-fronted Barbet (Psilopogon rubricapillus) due to their similar appearance and vocalizations, before being recognized as a distinct species. - Its scientific name, 'malabaricus', directly refers to the Malabar region of the Weste...