Blue-eared Barbet
Psilopogon cyanotis
蓝耳拟啄木鸟
Introduction
A barbet in the Megalaimidae family native to mainland Southeast Asia. It inhabits hills, shrublands, and forests up to 1,600 m altitude. Characterized by green plumage with crimson cheek spots and verditer-blue throat and ear-coverts. Due to its wide distribution and stable population, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Description
This barbet is 16-17 cm (6.3-6.7 in) long with a plump body, short neck, large head, short tail, and dark bill. The plumage is primarily green with crimson-coloured spots on the cheeks. The throat and ear-coverts are verditer-blue, separated from the green breast by a black band. The adult male has a black forehead. The female shows a duller head pattern with more orange tint to the patches above and below the ear coverts. The juvenile has a green head with some blue on the ear coverts and throat.
Identification
The territorial call is a repeated loud 'ko-turr.' Other vocalizations include a distinctive whistle known as the 'policeman whistle.' The three recognized subspecies differ slightly in appearance: P. c. orientalis is larger and paler than the nominate, with red cheek spots intermixed with golden coloration. Separated from similar barbets by the combination of verditer-blue ear-coverts and throat, crimson cheek spots, and the black breast band.
Distribution & Habitat
A resident breeder found in hills from eastern Nepal through northeast India to southern Thailand and Indochina. Inhabits shrublands and forests at elevations up to 1,600 m (5,200 ft). Three subspecies are recognized: P. c. cyanotis ranges from southeastern Nepal, Bangladesh, and northeastern India east to Myanmar, northern Thailand, and southern China; P. c. orientalis occurs from eastern Thailand through Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam; P. c. stuarti is restricted to peninsular Thailand. Nests in tree cavities.
Behavior & Ecology
Diet consists primarily of fruit. As a cavity nester, it excavates nest holes in trees. The territorial call is a repeated loud 'ko-turr,' used to establish and maintain territory boundaries. Other vocalizations include a characteristic whistle reminiscent of a policeman's call. Social behavior typical of barbets, though specific details of flocking or mating behavior are not extensively documented in available sources.
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and stable population. No significant population declines or major threats have been identified. The species' extensive range across multiple countries in Southeast Asia and its presence in various protected areas contribute to its secure conservation status.
Culture
No specific cultural information documented in available sources.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Megalaimidae
- Genus
- Psilopogon
- eBird Code
- buebar1
Subspecies (3)
-
Psilopogon cyanotis cyanotis
eastern Nepal eastward to southern China and southward to northern Thailand
-
Psilopogon cyanotis orientalis
eastern Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam
-
Psilopogon cyanotis stuarti
southern Myanmar and southern Thailand
Data Sources
CBR Notes: 学名由Psilopogon duvaucelii改为Psilopogon cyanotis（del Hoyo & Collar 2014）
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.