Golden-throated Barbet

Overview

The golden-throated barbet (Psilopogon franklinii) is an Asian barbet native to Southeast Asia. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and stable population.

Identification

• Plumage: Vivid green above with paler yellowish-green below, featuring deep blue wings and verditer under the tail.
• Markings: Crimson forehead, orange throat, and black areas around the eyes.
• Structure: Dusky black bill, greenish legs, and a body length of 20.5–23.5 cm.
• Vocalisation: The male's territorial call is a very loud 'pukwowk'.

Habitat

This species inhabits foremost, tropical, and subtropical moist forests between 900 and 2,700 m altitude. Its range extends across the Himalayan foothills and down to the Malay Peninsula, covering parts of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, and mainland China.

Did you know?

The species was originally described by Edward Blyth in 1842 under the scientific name Bucco franklinii based on a specimen collected in Darjeeling. It was later reclassified into the genus Psilopogon following molecular phylogenetic research that demonstrated Megalaima formed a distinct clade.