Psilopogon chrysopogon (Temminck, 1824)

Scientific Naming and Overall Plumage

The golden-whiskered barbet, scientifically named Psilopogon chrysopogon (Temminck, 1824), has green plumage in a range of different hues.

Facial Markings

It has a yellow moustache marking on both sides of its black beak, and this marking extends to the ear canal. Its throat is blue, it has small blue and red spots on its head, and blue markings surround its eyes.

Head Coloration

Its forecrown is pale yellow, and there are red patches on both sides of its beak.

Size and Weight

The species measures 30 cm (12 in) in length and weighs between 110–215 g (3.9–7.6 oz).

Sexual Dimorphism

Males and females are similar in appearance, but show a small degree of sexual dichromatism: females have paler beaks with a dusky bluish color.

Immature Plumage

Immature birds of both sexes have duller overall plumage before they reach maturity.

Geographic Range

The golden-whiskered barbet's range extends from the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo.

Native Forest Habitat

It lives in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests as well as montane forest.

Altered Habitat Occurrence

It has also been observed in cacao plantations and second growth forests, but it is rare in evergreen and swamp forests.

Daily Perch Behavior

This barbet spends most of its day in the forest canopy.

Known Diet Items

It forages mainly for figs and berries.

Presumed Insect Foraging

Since it has been observed picking at dead wood, researchers assume it also searches for insects.

Vocalization

Its song consists of a series of 'too-tuk' notes, and it sings during breeding even when daytime temperatures are high.

Breeding Traits

Its breeding season runs from February to August, and it lays two eggs per clutch.