Gold-whiskered Barbet

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The Gold-whiskered Barbet is perhaps the most ubiquitous and among the largest barbet in the region, reaching almost 12 inches in length. It inhabits various kinds of wooded areas in the lowlands like primary and secondary forest, plantations and orchards. Like most barbets of the old world, this species is primarily green, with various colorful patches on its head. It owes its name to the large yellow patch on its cheek which can aid identification from a distance.

gold-whiskered barbet, Capitonidae, bird nest, nest cavity, zygodactyl feet
Gold-whiskered Barbet excavating nesting hole.

Barbets have zygodactyl feet, two toes point forward and the remaining two point backward--similar to the woodpeckers. This is anatomical adaptation is clearly useful for the Gold-whiskered Barbet to cling onto vertical surface during nest building. This species had been observed excavating it owns nest cavity using its strong bill as well as taking over the nest of woodpeckers.

gold-whiskered barbet, frugivore, capitonidae
Gold-whiskered Barbet on a fruiting tree.

Despite its large size, the Gold-whiskered Barbet is not easily observed by the novice. Instead, it is most likely to be heard than seen. The voice is a far carrying trill given off from the tree canopy. It also utters a repeated te-hup notes which is one of the distinctive sound of the rainforest.


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