Caloramphus hayii
The Sooty Barbet (Caloramphus hayii) is an engaging and distinct member of the Megalaimidae family, unique among Asian barbets for its subdued, sooty brown to olive-brown body plumage, which contrasts sharply with its brightly colored head. Measuring approximately 18-19 cm in length, this species is easily identified by the striking red head of the male and the equally vibrant yellow or yellow-orange head of the female, making sexual dimorphism a key field mark. Unlike most of its predominant...
Found in tropical and subtropical lowland evergreen and secondary forests, often at forest edges or in fruit orchards, typically below 1200 meters elevation.
The diet primarily consists of various soft fruits, especially figs and berries, supplemented significantly by insects such as ants, termites, beetles, and caterpillars.
Sooty Barbets are predominantly diurnal, often observed foraging actively in small, cohesive flocks of up to a dozen individuals, moving through the canopy and sub-canopy. They employ a gleaning foraging strategy, primarily plucking fruits from branches and leaves, but also snatching insects. As ...
The Sooty Barbet is endemic to the Sundaic lowlands of Southeast Asia, primarily distributed across the Malay Peninsula, encompassing southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore. Its range extends southwards to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. This species is a resident, non-migrator...
Near Threatened
- The Sooty Barbet is one of the few Asian barbets that doesn't sport a predominantly green plumage, opting instead for a distinctive dull, sooty brown body. - It exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in head coloration: males display a brilliant red head, while females boast a vivid yellow or yell...