Golden-whiskered Barbet

Overview

The golden-whiskered barbet (Psilopogon chrysopogon) is an Asian barbet species native to the western Malay Archipelago. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution.

Identification

• Green plumage with a yellow 'moustache' on both sides of the black beak extending to the ear canal.
• Blue throat and eyes surrounded by blue, with small blue and red spots on the head.
• Pale yellow forecrown with red patches on both sides of the beak.
• Approximately 30 cm long, weighing between 110 and 215 g, with females possessing paler, dusky bluish beaks.

Habitat

Ranging from the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo, this species inhabits tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests as well as montane forests up to 1,500 m elevation. It is also occasionally found in cacao plantations and second-growth forests but is rare in evergreen and swamp forests.

Diet

The bird forages primarily on figs and berries within the forest canopy. It is also assumed to feed on insects, as it has been observed picking on dead wood.

Did you know?

Despite high temperatures during the day, the golden-whiskered barbet maintains its singing behaviour by emitting a series of 'too-tuk' notes while breeding.