The blue-eared barbet is a barbet in the Megalaimidae family native to mainland Southeast Asia. Because of its wide distribution and stable population it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern Himalayan foothills through northeastern India and Bangladesh to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Peninsular Malaysia. It inhabits evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and well-wooded secondary growth. The species readily visits fruiting figs and orchards and can appear in parks and large gardens near forest. It is primarily a lowland to foothill species but can extend into lower montane zones where suitable fruiting trees are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-eared barbet is a small Asian barbet of the family Megalaimidae, native to mainland Southeast Asia. It frequents fruiting trees and plays an important role in seed dispersal. Its ringing, repetitive calls carry far through the forest canopy, often revealing its presence long before it is seen. Because of its wide distribution and stable population it is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with slightly undulating flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within well-wooded habitats. Pairs defend territories around fruiting trees and nest cavities. They excavate nest holes in soft or decaying wood, with both sexes participating in excavation and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, ringing notes in steady repetition, often a 'tuk-tuk-tuk' that can continue for long periods. Calls carry far through the canopy and are used for territory advertisement and pair contact.
Plumage
Compact, green-bodied barbet with a thick bill and brightly patterned head. The face shows blue ear-coverts and turquoise to blue on the cheek and throat, with small patches of red on the forehead and throat. Underparts are green with fine, darker mottling on the breast; wings and tail are dark green.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of soft fruits, especially figs (Ficus), berries, and drupes. It supplements its diet with insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, gleaned from foliage or snapped from trunks and branches. By swallowing fruits whole and later passing the seeds, it acts as an effective seed disperser in forest ecosystems.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy at fruiting trees, but also visits mid-story and edges where figs and other fruiting plants are abundant. Frequently forages in orchards and gardens near forest, particularly when wild fruit is scarce.
