Red-crowned Barbet (Megalaima rafflesii)
Barbets are relatives of woodpeckers. They have a big head relative to the body. There are bristles around the beak, which give them the name 'barbet'. Most species are brightly-coloured and arboreal. There are 89 species of barbets: 30 Asian barbets, 42 African barbets, 15 American barbets and 2 toucan-barbets. Barbets are non-migratory.
3 species can be found in Singapore. The commonest and smallest is the Coppersmith Barbet, which prefers open areas. The Lineated Barbet is introduced and uncommon but is doing well. The Red-crowned Barbet is an uncommon forest bird. Being colourful birds, sometimes escapees can be seen. E.g., an African barbet, the Red-and-yellow Barbet, was spotted at Bidadari.
Red-crowned Barbet (Megalaima rafflesii)
Barbets are relatives of woodpeckers. They have a big head relative to the body. There are bristles around the beak, which give them the name 'barbet'. Most species are brightly-coloured and arboreal. There are 89 species of barbets: 30 Asian barbets, 42 African barbets, 15 American barbets and 2 toucan-barbets. Barbets are non-migratory.
3 species can be found in Singapore. The commonest and smallest is the Coppersmith Barbet, which prefers open areas. The Lineated Barbet is introduced and uncommon but is doing well. The Red-crowned Barbet is an uncommon forest bird. Being colourful birds, sometimes escapees can be seen. E.g., an African barbet, the Red-and-yellow Barbet, was spotted at Bidadari.