Species Profile
Blue-eared Barbet
Psilopogon cyanotis
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLength
20–23 cm
Weight
60–85 g
Wingspan
32–36 cm
Migration
Resident
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Green
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
Elevation
Up to 1,600 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- 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.
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
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.
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