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 Bearded Barbet (Lybius dubius dubius) Photo: Ben Vandenbroek |
 Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) Photo: Tan Chin Tong |
 Fire-tufted Barbet (Psilopogon pyrolophus) Photo: Christian Artuso |
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Megalainidae - The Asian Barbets There are 26 species of Asian Barbets that span from India west to the Philippines. All are lowland forest or cloud forest inhabitants except for the Coppersmith Barbet which prefers a semi-open to open habitat. Barbets Barbets are small, stocky-bodied birds with rather large heads which gives the appearance of a stubby neck. The majority of barbets are multicolored in striking plumage. The Asian and American species are predominantly green with red, blue and yellow markings, usually around the head. African barbets are mainly yellow, black or red and are heavily spotted or streaked. Their bills are stout and have bristles or tufts of feathers that lay forward over the nares, gape and chin region of the face. They possess zygodactylous toes (two forward and two backward) and with the exception of three species are arboreal. There are 84 species in 11 genera. Range of the Barbets
In Africa: south of the Sahara. In Asia: India, Sri Lanka, SE Asia, Philippines, Java, Bali, Borneo, In
Central and South America: Panama, Costa Rica and NW South America. The IUCN Red List 2001 Shows:
Diet Fruits, berries, buds, flowers, nectar, insects; larger species such as the lineated barbet have been known to consume tree frogs, lizards and even other smaller birds. Certain genera may be more frugivorous or insectivorous. Courtship and Egglaying Although certain barbet species have bred in captivity little is known about the courtship process in the wild. Generally the male pursues the hen; in ground barbets the male will posture and raise its crown feathers while strutting around her. Duetting is common in barbets though its function isn’t exactly known. Because it is done throughout the year it is probably a territorial announcement. Because the bill of the barbet is not as ‘chisel-like’ as a woodpecker they often dig their nesting holes into softer wood or plant materials; an African species digs into a dirt bank. They have been known to use old woodpecker holes also. Generally the holes are usually high above the ground. The hole is just large enough for a single bird to pass in and out of and is often placed under a branch to shelter from direct inclement weather. The average clutch is 2-4 whitish eggs. Both parents generally incubate and both also spend the night in the nest hole. Incubation lasts 13-15 days in some species and 18-19 days in others. The young are altricial and possess heal pads like toucans. Fledging occurs differently within the family; from 20-21 days, 24-26 days and 33-35 days respectively. Second clutches can occur in certain species. Movement and Migration There are no barbets that migrate. Movement within range can occur.
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| Range
of the Fire-tufted Barbet: Portions of Malaya and Sumatra. |
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Description: Habitat: Habits
and Diet: Breeding: TAG Status: Phase Out |
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Range
of the Gold-whiskered Barbet: |
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Description: Habitat: Habits
and Diet: Breeding: TAG Status: Phase Out |
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| Range
of the Red-throated Barbet: Thailand, Malaya, Borneo, and Sumatra. |
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Description: Habitat: Habits
and Diet: Breeding: TAG Status: PMP |
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Range of the Blue-throated Barbet: |
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Description: Habitat: Habits
and Diet: Breeding: TAG Status: Phase in |
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Range
of the Coppersmith Barbet: |
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Description: Habitat: Habits
and Diet: Breeding: The pair may ‘duet-sing’ as well as courtship feed. Apparently pairs do not roost together. 2-4, white with little or no gloss are laid and are incubated by both parents for about 14 days. Nestlings are altricial and are brooded and fed by both parents. Fledging occurs around 35 days. It is believed that the parental care stops at fledging. TAG Status: Phase Out |
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