- general description
- appearance
- the lineated barbet is a medium-sized bird with a robust body and a large head.
- it has a greenish overall plumage with distinctive whitish streaks or lines on its head and neck, which give it its name.
- the beak is large, pale yellow, and stout, well-suited for excavating wood.
- the eyes are surrounded by a patch of bare, pale skin, and the legs and feet are grayish.
- size
- measures about 27-30 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 120-150 grams.
- behavior
- known for its loud, repetitive calls that are often heard in its forest habitat.
- often seen solitary or in pairs, foraging in the upper canopy of trees.
- uses its strong beak to excavate nest holes in tree trunks and branches.
- habitat
- range
- found in south and southeast asia, including india, bangladesh, nepal, bhutan, myanmar, thailand, laos, cambodia, vietnam, and parts of southern china.
- environment
- inhabits a variety of forested environments, including tropical and subtropical forests, deciduous forests, and secondary growth.
- often found in areas with dense tree cover, particularly where there are many fruiting trees.
- diet
- primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits and berries.
- also consumes insects, especially during the breeding season to provide protein for the chicks.
- breeding
- nesting
- excavates nest cavities in dead or decaying trees, often choosing a site with soft wood.
- the nest is typically a simple hole without additional lining.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies depending on the region but generally occurs during the warm months when food is abundant.
- female lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for about 14-16 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population, though habitat loss could pose future threats.
- interesting facts
- the lineated barbet’s distinctive calls are a common sound in its forest habitat and are often used to locate the bird.
- its strong beak is not only used for feeding but also plays a crucial role in creating nesting sites, which are also used by other species.
- the barbet’s role in seed dispersal helps maintain the health and diversity of its forest ecosystem, as it spreads the seeds of the fruits it eats.