Fire-tufted Barbet

Overview

The fire-tufted barbet (Psilopogon pyrolophus) is a species of bird in the Asian barbet family Megalaimidae. Native to Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, it inhabits tropical moist lowland and montane forests and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• 28 cm long body, predominantly green with a brownish-maroon nape and grey lores.
• Distinctive white band on the forehead, a bright yellow throat band followed by a black band resembling a necklace.
• Fawn-coloured bill with a black vertical band and feathered tufts at the base; males feature fiery orange upper tufts.
• Vocalisation is described as being very similar to that of cicadas.

Habitat

This species inhabits broad-leaved evergreen montane forests between 1,070 and 2,010 m elevation on the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. While native to these regions, individuals observed on Mount Gede in West Java are suspected to have escaped from aviaries.

Diet

Feeds on figs, other fruits, arthropods, and insects.

Did you know?

Three fire-tufted barbets observed on Mount Gede in West Java between 2003 and 2005 are believed to have escaped from local aviaries rather than representing a natural population.