Great barbet

The great barbet is an Asian barbet native to the Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia, where it inhabits forests up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft) altitude. It has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2004 because of its wide distribution.

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Distribution

Region

Himalayas and Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Occupies subtropical to temperate montane broadleaf and mixed forests, often with oak, rhododendron, and pine. It favors mature fruiting trees such as figs and laurels and also visits forest edges, secondary growth, and orchards. The species typically forages in the upper canopy, descending to the mid-storey when fruit is plentiful. In winter it may move downslope to lower elevations along forested valleys while remaining within wooded habitats.

Altitude Range

200–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size32–36 cm

Wing Span45–50 cm

Male Weight0.22 kg

Female Weight0.21 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The great barbet is the largest barbet in Asia, and its booming, repetitive calls carry for long distances through mountain forests. It is a cavity nester, excavating its own nest holes in decaying trunks and large branches. Highly frugivorous, it plays an important role in seed dispersal, especially of figs. It typically keeps to the high canopy but can descend to orchards and village groves when fruiting is abundant.

Gallery

Great barbet in Ba Bể National Park

Great barbet in Himachal Pradesh

Great barbet at Sarahan

Behaviour

Temperament

shy but vocal, usually keeping to the canopy

Flight Pattern

undulating flight with short, rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Commonly seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties. Pairs are territorial in the breeding season and excavate nest cavities in soft or decaying wood. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, far-carrying, repetitive series of hollow notes, often rendered as piu-piu or ku-koo, delivered at measured intervals. Calls can continue for long periods, especially at dawn. It also gives harsh rattles and clucks when agitated.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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