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White-cheeked Barbet

Psilopogon viridis

Known for its distinctive call echoing through India's forests, this vibrant green barbet is a master fruit-eater with a knack for seed dispersal.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The White-cheeked Barbet is a medium-sized bird with predominantly green plumage. Its most distinctive feature is the white cheek patch, contrasting sharply with the brown crown and nape. The throat and breast are streaked with brown and white.

Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal changes in plumage. Juveniles resemble adults but may have duller colouration and less defined facial markings.

Size

Length

22cm to 25cm

Wingspan

35cm to 40cm

Weight

75g to 100g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Green

Secondary Colour

Brown White

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The White-cheeked Barbet can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The White-cheeked Barbet can be found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The White-cheeked Barbet is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

White-cheeked Barbets are endemic to the Western Ghats and associated hills of southwestern India.

They inhabit tropical and subtropical moist forests, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, as well as well-wooded gardens and plantations.

These birds are non-migratory and maintain their distribution year-round.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,800 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a White-cheeked 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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
India

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 65

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The White-cheeked Barbet demonstrates moderate agility, moving through the canopy with short, direct flights and maintaining an upright perch on branches. Their zygodactyl foot structure aids in their arboreal lifestyle, suggesting decent manoeuvrability in trees.

Strength 40

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a medium-sized bird weighing between 75-100 grams, the White-cheeked Barbet possesses moderate strength. Their ability to excavate nesting cavities in dead tree trunks indicates some muscular capability, but they are not known for exceptional feats of strength.

Adaptability 70

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These barbets show good adaptability, inhabiting various forest types including evergreen, semi-evergreen, and even well-wooded gardens and plantations. Their ability to thrive in both natural and human-modified environments suggests a fair degree of adaptability.

Aggressiveness 30

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

White-cheeked Barbets are generally not aggressive birds. They are often solitary or found in pairs, and while they may form small groups at food sources, there's no indication of highly territorial or aggressive behaviour. Their frugivorous diet also suggests a less aggressive nature.

Endurance 55

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The White-cheeked Barbet's endurance appears moderate. As non-migratory birds, they don't undertake long-distance flights, but their ability to forage throughout the day and their role in seed dispersal suggest a reasonable level of stamina. Their lifespan of 10-15 years also indicates decent endurance.

Diet

The White-cheeked Barbet is primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for figs. They also consume other fruits, berries, and occasionally insects.

Their feeding behaviour involves plucking fruits while perched or sometimes hovering briefly to reach distant items.

Behaviour

White-cheeked Barbets are primarily arboreal, moving through the canopy with short, direct flights. They are often seen perched upright on branches, scanning for fruit.

These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs but may form small groups at abundant food sources.

Vocalisation

The White-cheeked Barbet's call is a distinctive, repetitive 'kot-roo, kot-roo' or 'kutroo-kutroo'.

This vocalisation is often heard throughout the day, especially during the breeding season. The call is loud and carries well through the forest canopy.

Nesting & Breeding

The breeding season for White-cheeked Barbets typically occurs between February and May. Pairs form monogamous bonds during this period, engaging in courtship displays that include head-bobbing and calling.

Nests are excavated in dead tree trunks or branches, creating a cavity about 30 cm deep. The female usually lays 2-3 white eggs, which both parents incubate.

Incubation lasts about 14 days, with chicks fledging after approximately 35 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the White-cheeked Barbet is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanisation.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving its forest habitats and maintaining fruit-bearing trees in urban and suburban areas.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but common throughout its range

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for White-cheeked Barbets in fruiting trees, especially figs
  • Listen for their distinctive call, which is a good indicator of their presence
  • Observe tree holes in forested areas, as they may be nesting or roosting sites
  • Be patient, as they can remain still for long periods while foraging

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Small Green Barbet

Family:

Megalaimidae

Predators

Main predators include larger birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, as well as arboreal snakes and small mammals that can access their nests.

Did You Know?

  1. White-cheeked Barbets play a crucial role in seed dispersal, particularly for fig trees.
  2. They have a unique zygodactyl foot structure, with two toes facing forward and two backward, aiding in their arboreal lifestyle.
  3. These barbets create new nesting cavities each breeding season, providing homes for other cavity-nesting species in subsequent years.

References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Psilopogon viridis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22681603A92913200.

    View source

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