White-cheeked Barbet

White-cheeked Barbet

Psilopogon viridis

Least Concern

The White-cheeked Barbet, an eye-catching resident of the Indian subcontinent, is often heard before it's seen, thanks to its distinct, metronomic call that echoes through the forests and urban gardens. Adorned with a vivid green plumage and contrasting white cheeks, this barbet is a master of tree hollowing, skillfully carving out nesting cavities. It's a familiar and cherished sight, especially in southern India, blending effortlessly into the lush greenery while contributing to the symphony of the wild.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Green

Secondary Colors

Brown, White

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Green

Beak Type

Stout

Beak Color

Pale Pink

Leg Color

Grey

Distinctive Markings

White cheeks and throat, white stripe above eyes

Tail Description

Short and stubby with green feathers

Size Metrics

22cm to 25cm

Length

48g to 65g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Loud, repetitive 'kutroo kutroo'

Call Description

Distinctive and repetitive, can be heard from a distance

Alarm Calls

Sharp and rapid 'tuk tuk tuk'

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active throughout the day, foraging and calling

Social Habits

Solitary or in pairs, not very social

Territorial Behavior

Territorial during breeding season

Migratory Patterns

Non-migratory

Interaction with Other Species

Generally does not interact much with other bird species

Diet

Primary Diet

Fruits, Insects

Feeding Habits

Feeds on fruit and catches insects in flight

Feeding Times

Morning and late afternoon

Prey Capture Method

Picking from foliage or catching in flight

Diet Variations

Seasonal variation based on fruit availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

Tree cavities

Nest Construction

Excavates nesting holes in dead wood or rotting trees

Breeding Season

February to May

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

Mainly one, but sometimes two

Egg Appearance

White and glossy

Egg Size

2.9 x 2cm, weighing around 6.5g

Clutch Characteristics

Typically 2-4 eggs per clutch

Incubation Period

About 14 days

Fledgling Period

Around 40 days

Parental Care

Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

India, specifically in the Western Ghats and adjoining areas

Habitat Description

Dense forests and plantations

Elevation Range

Lowlands up to 2000 meters

Migration Patterns

Non-migratory

Biome

Forest

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

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