The lineated barbet is an Asian barbet native to the Terai, the Brahmaputra basin to Southeast Asia. It is a frugivore and nests in holes of tree trunks.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Terai of Nepal and northern India through Bangladesh and the Brahmaputra basin into Myanmar and mainland Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. It inhabits lowland and hill forests, forest edges, secondary growth, orchards, and large urban parks with mature fruiting trees. The species favors fig-rich habitats and is frequently seen in banyans and other fruiting canopy trees. It adapts well to modified landscapes provided large trees remain. Nesting requires suitable soft or dead wood for cavity excavation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The lineated barbet is a large Asian barbet that spends most of its time high in the canopy, where it is often heard before it is seen. It excavates nest cavities in dead or soft wood and both sexes share nesting duties. As a dedicated fruit-eater, it plays an important role in seed dispersal for many tropical trees.
Temperament
usually in pairs or small groups; territorial in breeding season
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Often forages quietly in the canopy, joining small groups at fruiting trees. Breeding pairs excavate their own nest cavity in dead or decaying wood, and both sexes incubate and feed the young. Clutches are typically small, and the nest cavity is reused or re-excavated in subsequent seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a loud, repetitive series of hollow notes, often rendered as a rhythmic 'poop-poop-poop' that carries far. Pairs may duet, with consistent tempo and long bouts, making the species more conspicuous by sound than sight.
Plumage
Green upperparts with heavily streaked buff-and-brown head and breast; underparts show bold whitish streaking. Feathers are dense and slightly bristly around the bill, typical of barbets.
Diet
Primarily consumes figs and other soft fruits, including berries and drupes from a variety of native and cultivated trees. It occasionally supplements its diet with insects, especially during the breeding season. Fruit is often swallowed whole, with seeds later regurgitated or defecated, aiding seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of fruiting trees, particularly figs, banyans, and other large-fruited species. Also visits orchards, gardens, and parklands with mature trees.
