Mountain Barbet

Overview

The mountain barbet (Psilopogon monticola) is a species of bird in the family Megalaimidae that is endemic to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Resembles the female red-throated barbet.
• Distinguished by having smaller bills than the female red-throated barbet.
• Lacks the red spot at the base of the rictal bristles on each side of the upper bill.

Habitat

The species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Its range is restricted to the island of Borneo.

Diet

Mountain barbets primarily feed on fruits, though they also consume a wide variety of insects including ants, cicadas, dragonflies, crickets, locusts, beetles, moths, and mantids.

Did you know?

These birds nest in tree holes, where hens typically lay 2 to 4 eggs that are incubated for 13 to 15 days.