The white-cheeked barbet or small green barbet is a species of Asian barbet found in southern India. It is very similar to the more widespread brown-headed barbet, but this species has a distinctive supercilium and a broad white cheek stripe below the eye and is found in the forest areas of the Western Ghats, parts of the Eastern Ghats and adjoining hills. The brown-headed barbet has an orange eye-ring but the calls are very similar and the two species occur together in some of the drier forests to the east of the Western Ghats. Like all other Asian barbets, they are mainly frugivorous, and use their bills to excavate nest cavities in trees.
Region
Western Ghats and adjoining southern India
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen and moist-deciduous forests, plantations, orchards, and well-treed urban areas. It favors fig-rich habitats and frequently uses avenues and garden trees within cities. The species keeps to the canopy or mid-story, where dense foliage offers cover. It often overlaps with brown-headed barbets in drier forests east of the Ghats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often heard before it is seen, the white-cheeked barbet delivers a loud, metronomic call from deep foliage. It thrives in orchards and city gardens in southern India, especially around Bengaluru, where fruiting trees are common. By swallowing figs and other fruits whole and later dispersing seeds, it plays an important role in forest regeneration. Both sexes excavate their own nest cavities in soft wood.
Barbet perching on the trunk to hollow its nest
white-cheeked barbed eating moringa seeds
An adult peeking from nest entrance
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, but multiple birds may gather at fruiting trees. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in soft or dead wood and do not add nesting material. Clutches are typically small, and both parents share incubation and feeding of nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, repetitive series of hollow notes delivered at even intervals, often carrying far through forest and urban greenery. Calls resemble the brown-headed barbet but are slightly different in tone and cadence. Vocal activity peaks at dawn and during calm, warm periods.
