About Psilopogon incognitus (Hume, 1874)
Taxonomy and Naming
The moustached barbet, with the scientific name Psilopogon incognitus (Hume, 1874), is a species of Asian barbet. Barbets are a group of near passerine birds that have a worldwide tropical distribution, and they get their common name from the bristles that fringe their heavy bills.
Geographic Range
The moustached barbet is a resident breeding species found in the hills of Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Habitat and Nesting
It inhabits broadleaf evergreen forest at elevations between 600 and 700 m, and it nests in tree holes.
Size
This barbet measures 23 cm in total length.
Body Shape
It is a plump bird, with a short neck, large head and short tail.
General Coloration
Its bill is dark horn-colored, and its overall body plumage is green.
Subspecies P. i. elbeli Adult Morphology
For the subspecies P. i. elbeli, which lives in northern Thailand, adult individuals have a red forehead, a green crown with a red spot at the rear, a blue face and throat, as well as a black eyestripe and moustache.
Sexual Dimorphism and Juvenile Morphology
The sexes of this species have similar appearance, while juvenile moustached barbets have duller, greener coloring on the head and throat, and a narrower moustache stripe.
Subspecies Classification
Three subspecies are recognized: the nominate P. i. incognitus, found in Myanmar and western Thailand; P. i. elbeli in northern Thailand; and P. i. eurous in east Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Territorial Call
The male's territorial call is a repeated, loud sequence: u'ik-a-ruk u'ik-a-ruk u'ik-a-ruk.
