Psilopogon chersonesus
A medium-sized barbet, the Turquoise-throated Barbet (*Psilopogon chersonesus*) is a strikingly vibrant avian resident of Southeast Asian forests. Measuring approximately 20-23 cm (7.9-9.1 inches) in length and weighing 50-70 grams, its body is predominantly emerald green. Its most distinctive feature is a brilliant turquoise throat, framed by a black mask extending through the eye. The crown, lore, and supercilium are a contrasting deep blue, often accented by a small red patch on the forehe...
Primarily found in submontane and montane evergreen forests, often at elevations between 800 and 1,500 meters (2,600-4,900 ft), occasionally lower or higher.
Mainly fruit, especially figs and berries, supplemented with a variety of insects, such as beetles and caterpillars; foraging method involves gleaning from branches.
The Turquoise-throated Barbet is a diurnal species, spending its active hours high in the forest canopy, often detected by its persistent vocalizations rather than visual sightings. It primarily forages on fruits, particularly figs, which it expertly plucks from branches while perched, but also s...
The Turquoise-throated Barbet is an endemic resident of the humid, evergreen forests of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Its breeding range is restricted to these regions, encompassing parts of southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. Unlike many avian species, it does ...
Least Concern
- The name "barbet" comes from the distinctive bristles or "barbs" around their stout bills, which are thought to aid in feeding. - Despite their bright, often iridescent plumage, Turquoise-throated Barbets are remarkably cryptic and difficult to spot amidst the dense forest canopy. - Their prima...