White-cheeked Barbet
Psilopogon viridis
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
MegalaimidaePredators
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?
- White-cheeked Barbets play a crucial role in seed dispersal, particularly for fig trees.
- They have a unique zygodactyl foot structure, with two toes facing forward and two backward, aiding in their arboreal lifestyle.
- These barbets create new nesting cavities each breeding season, providing homes for other cavity-nesting species in subsequent years.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Psilopogon viridis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22681603A92913200.
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