About Psilopogon virens (Boddaert, 1783)
Plumage Characteristics
The great barbet (Psilopogon virens) has a blue head, a large yellow bill, a brown and green-streaked body and belly, and a red vent. Its overall plumage is green.
Size and Weight
It is the largest barbet species, with a body length of 32–35 cm (13–14 in) and a weight of 192–295 g (6.8–10.4 oz).
Distribution and Range
This species is a resident breeder found at lower-to-middle altitudes of the Himalayas, with a range covering northern Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia as far east as Laos.
Nesting Period
For behaviour and ecology, the great barbet's nesting season runs from April to July.
Nesting Behavior
It usually nests in tree holes, and both males and females care for the young.
Diet
Its diet is made up mainly of fruits and insects.
Vocalizations
The male's territorial call is a very loud kay-oh; its alarm call is a harsh keeab, and it also produces a repetitive piou-piou-piou-piou call.
