Crimson-Fronted Barbet

Crimson-Fronted Barbet

Scientific Name : Megalaima rubricapilla rubricapilla (Xantholaema rubricapilla)

 

(Ceylon Small Barbet / Ceylon Coppersmith/ Crimson-throated Barbet)

 

Identification :

(16 cm) Smaller than the Brown Headed Barbet and Yellow-fronted Barbet. Has red forehead, yellow face patches and black bill. Distinguish from the Coppersmith by blue patch below cheek, small red spot on breast, unstreaked breast, and its fast call. Sexes similar. Direct flight with steady wingbeats (beware of confusion with Lorikeet). Some times sings from bare branch at top of tree. Solitary, in pair or, out of breeding season, in flocks.

 

Voice : A brisk "pop-pop-pop....." (Faster than Coppersmith) in burst of up to six, also a slower "wonk, wonk, wonk"

 

Status and Distribution : Endemic race (considered by some authorities as separate species) Common in open wood, cultivated land with trees and gardens in the wet zone up to 1000m and parts of the dry zone.

 

Nesting : In tree hole; January-June

 

Species Range : India

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