Blue-throated Barbet
Psilopogon asiaticus
蓝喉拟啄木鸟
Introduction
A non-migratory Asian barbet (family Megalaimidae) native to the foothills of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. Inhabits lowland and montane tropical, evergreen, and deciduous forests at elevations of 200–2,000 m (660–6,560 ft). Two subspecies recognized: P.a. asiaticus (northeastern Pakistan to western and northern Myanmar and southwestern Yunnan) and P.a. davisoni (southeastern Myanmar to southeastern Yunnan and northern Indochina). The species is difficult to spot due to its green coloration but is easily located by its loud, frequent calls repeated 90-105 times per minute. Both sexes share domestic duties including nest building, incubation, and chick-rearing. Categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List with a stable population; common in northeast India.
Description
A stocky, medium-sized barbet approximately 19–22 cm (7.5–8.7 in) in length, roughly the size of a myna. Females weigh 87–103 g (3.1–3.6 oz), while males weigh 79–100 g (2.8–3.5 oz). The plumage is predominantly green with lighter yellow-green undersides; the tail underside may have a bluish cast. The head is distinctive with a bright red forehead, black stripe across the crown, and red rear crown. The face sides, chin, and upper neck are pale blue, with red patches at the sides of the neck where the blue begins. The iris is reddish-brown, and the eye-ring varies from brown to greenish-brown, orange-brown, or yellow. The stout, conical bill is pale at the base with a dark upper mandible and tip. Feet are slate-gray to gray-green. Juveniles resemble adults but with muted, duller colors—red areas may be tinged orange, and black markings may appear blue-black or dusky.
Identification
The combination of red forehead, black crown stripe, and red rear crown distinguishes this species from other barbets. The pale blue face, chin, and upper neck, along with red patches at the base of the blue, provide additional identification features. The eye-ring color is variable and not diagnostic. Previously considered conspecific with the Turquoise-throated Barbet (Psilopogon chersonesus) and Mountain Barbet (Psilopogon monticola), but molecular data confirm these are distinct species.
Distribution & Habitat
Resident breeder throughout the Lower Himalayas from northeastern Pakistan through northern and northeastern India, and in the hill ranges of Southeast Asia. Inhabits tropical evergreen and deciduous forests at 200–2,000 m (660–6,560 ft). Common in lowland and foothill forests; adaptable to secondary forests and urban areas where fruiting trees are available. Uncommon in oil plantations in Mizoram due to lack of fruit-bearing trees. Not migratory.
Behavior & Ecology
Has a noisy, undulating flight consisting of rapid wing beats followed by brief pauses. Calls frequently throughout the day; vocalizations include notes described as took-a-rook, pu-ku-ruk, and kut-ru-uk, repeated 90-105 times per minute. Diet consists primarily of fruits and berries, especially figs of Ficus species, supplemented by insect larvae, crickets, mantids, and large centipedes; also catches flying termites in the air. Feeds in upper canopy of fruiting trees, singly or in groups. Breeding season is March to June. Both parents excavate nesting holes in tree trunks and sloping branches, typically 3–7.5 m (9.8–24.6 ft) above ground. The female lays 3-4 matte white eggs incubated for 14 days; both parents share incubation duties. Courtship involves pairs feeding and vocalizing together, with display behaviors including head bobbing, twisting, and tail wagging.
Conservation
Categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Population is thought to be stable and not threatened. Common throughout much of its range, particularly in northeast India. No specific conservation measures noted beyond habitat protection.
Culture
No cultural or folklore information provided in the source article.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Megalaimidae
- Genus
- Psilopogon
- eBird Code
- bltbar2
Vocalizations
Subspecies (2)
-
Psilopogon asiaticus asiaticus
northeastern Pakistan to central Myanmar and southern China (western Yunnan)
-
Psilopogon asiaticus davisoni
southeastern Myanmar to southern China (southern Yunnan) and central Vietnam
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.