About Psilopogon pyrolophus S.Müller, 1836
Plumage Features
The fire-tufted barbet, scientifically named Psilopogon pyrolophus S.Müller, 1836, has primarily green plumage, with a brownish-maroon nape, grey lores, and a white band across its forehead. Its throat is green, followed by a bright yellow band then a black band that looks like a necklace.
Bill and Tuft Characteristics
Its fawn-coloured bill has a black vertical stripe, and feather tufts grow at the base of the beak; the upper tufts of male individuals are a bright fiery orange.
Adult Size
Adult fire-tufted barbets reach 28 cm (11 in) in total length.
Native Habitat
This species inhabits broad-leaved evergreen montane forests at elevations between 1,070 and 2,010 m (3,510 and 6,590 ft) on the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.
Java Occurrence Note
Three individuals observed on Mount Gede in West Java between 2003 and 2005 are thought to be escapees from local aviaries.
Migratory Status
The fire-tufted barbet is a non-migratory resident bird.
Diet and Vocalization
It feeds on figs, other fruits, arthropods, and insects, and its call is very similar to the call of a cicada.
