The turquoise-throated barbet is an Asian barbet found in Thailand. The barbets get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills; this species eats fruits and insects. It used to be considered a subspecies of the blue-throated barbet.
Region
Thai–Malay Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen forest, forest edge, and well-treed secondary growth. It is regularly found in fruiting fig trees, orchards, and gardens near forest where tall canopy trees remain. The species tolerates some habitat modification, provided large trees for nesting and feeding are present. It forages from lower midstory to the canopy and occasionally descends to isolated fruiting trees in open areas.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This colorful Asian barbet was recently split from the Blue-throated Barbet complex and is best told by its vivid turquoise throat and face. It plays an important role as a seed disperser by swallowing fruits whole and passing or regurgitating seeds away from the parent tree. Pairs excavate their own nesting cavities in dead or soft wood. Its steady, metronomic calls often give away its presence long before it is seen.
Temperament
generally shy but can be confiding at fruiting trees
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats; slightly undulating
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small groups at abundant fruit. Pairs maintain territories and excavate nest holes in soft or dead wood, often in snags. Both sexes share incubation and chick rearing. Post-breeding, individuals may join loose feeding aggregations at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A steady series of resonant, hollow notes delivered at a measured tempo, often described as a repetitive ‘tuk…tuk…tuk’. Calls can continue for minutes and carry far through forest. Soft grunts and chatter are given at close range around mates or rivals.
Plumage
Predominantly bright green with a vivid turquoise throat and face, contrasted by a red forecrown and touches of blue on the head. The nape and mantle are green, with a stout, pale bill and fine bristles at the base. Underparts are green with slight yellowish tones; wings and tail are darker green.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking figs, berries, and other soft fruits, which it swallows whole and later disperses as seeds. Supplements fruit with insects such as beetles, termites, ants, and caterpillars, gleaned from foliage and bark. Occasionally takes nectar or small invertebrates flushed by foraging. Diet varies seasonally with fruit availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the midstory and canopy, particularly in fruiting Ficus and other large fruiting trees. Will also forage along forest edges, in orchards, and in tall gardens adjoining forest. Uses exposed perches to scan fruiting crowns before short sallies.
