Blue-eared Barbet
Psilopogon cyanotis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Blue-eared Barbet is a vibrant, medium-sized bird with predominantly green plumage. Its most distinctive features are the turquoise-blue ear coverts and throat, black and violet forehead, and pinkish-red patches on the face.
Both males and females share similar colouration, though females may be slightly duller. Juveniles have primarily green plumage with less pronounced facial markings compared to adults.
Size
Length
20cm to 23cm
Wingspan
32cm to 36cm
Weight
60g to 85g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Green Blue
Secondary Colour
Red
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Blue-eared Barbets inhabit tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, as well as montane forests. They are found across Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Bangladesh, and southern China.
These birds prefer areas with mature trees that provide both food sources and nesting sites. They are non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories within their forest habitats.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,600 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Blue-eared Barbet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Whilst not exceptionally agile, the Blue-eared Barbet demonstrates good manoeuvrability in forest canopies. Their zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two backward) enable efficient climbing and perching, and they navigate well through dense foliage.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength is evidenced by their ability to excavate nest cavities in dead wood and their capacity to handle various fruits with their robust bill. Their size (60-85g) suggests reasonable strength for their category.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows strong adaptability through their successful occupation of various forest types from lowlands to montane regions up to 1,600m. Their varied diet of fruits and insects, plus their ability to maintain territories year-round in different conditions, demonstrates good environmental flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst they defend their territories year-round, Blue-eared Barbets are not notably aggressive birds. They often occur in pairs or small groups, suggesting relatively peaceful social behaviour, though they will protect their nesting sites when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their sedentary lifestyle and ability to maintain year-round territories suggests decent endurance. The shared parental duties of nest excavation, incubation, and chick-rearing (31-33 days) indicates good stamina for sustained activities.
Diet
The Blue-eared Barbet primarily feeds on fruits, with figs being a particular favourite. They supplement their diet with insects, especially during breeding season.
Their strong, chisel-like bill is well-adapted for excavating tree bark to find insect larvae and for handling various fruits.
Behaviour
Blue-eared Barbets are typically seen perched upright on branches, often in pairs or small groups. They are known for their habit of bobbing their heads while calling, a behaviour that helps locate them in dense foliage.
These birds are generally sedentary and defend their territories year-round.
Vocalisation
The Blue-eared Barbet's call is a distinctive, repetitive 'poo-pook' or 'poo-poo-pook'. This vocalisation is often delivered in a series, with the bird bobbing its head with each note.
During the breeding season, pairs may engage in duets, with mates alternating their calls in a rhythmic pattern.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Blue-eared Barbets typically occurs between February and July. Pairs form monogamous bonds and work together to excavate nesting cavities in dead trees or branches.
The female usually lays 2-4 white eggs in the nest cavity. Both parents share incubation duties, which last for about 13-15 days.
After hatching, the nestlings are cared for by both parents for approximately 31-33 days before fledging. The young birds may stay with their parents for some time after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Blue-eared Barbet is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to deforestation.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting tropical and subtropical forests within its range to maintain stable populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'poo-pook' call to locate them in the canopy
- Look for them near fruiting trees, especially figs
- Observe early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
- Use binoculars to spot their colourful facial markings
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Family:
MegalaimidaePredators
Main predators of Blue-eared Barbets include birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, as well as arboreal snakes and small mammals that can access their nests.
Did You Know?
- Blue-eared Barbets use their strong bills to excavate nest cavities, which are later used by other bird species.
- They play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds of various fruit trees.
- These barbets have a unique zygodactyl foot arrangement, with two toes facing forward and two backwards, aiding in their climbing ability.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Psilopogon cyanotis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22726130A264101761.
View source - 2
report, 2002: del Hoyo et al.
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