White-Cheeked Barbet
Endemic to the forest areas of the Western Ghats and adjoining hills, the White-cheeked Barbet has a distinctive supercilium and a broad white cheek stripe below the eye. Like many other barbets of Asia, these are green, sit still, and perch upright. These Barbets are arboreal and will rarely visit the ground. They obtain most of the water they need from their fruit diet. When water is available in a tree hole, they will sometimes drink and bathe. These birds are mostly frugivorous, but will take winged termites and other insects opportunistically. They feed on the fruits of various Ficus species. When foraging they are quite aggressive and will attempt to chase off other Barbets, Koels and any other frugivores. This bird is seen perched on a Drumstick Tree growing in the backyard, soaking in the light of the setting sun.
White-Cheeked Barbet
Endemic to the forest areas of the Western Ghats and adjoining hills, the White-cheeked Barbet has a distinctive supercilium and a broad white cheek stripe below the eye. Like many other barbets of Asia, these are green, sit still, and perch upright. These Barbets are arboreal and will rarely visit the ground. They obtain most of the water they need from their fruit diet. When water is available in a tree hole, they will sometimes drink and bathe. These birds are mostly frugivorous, but will take winged termites and other insects opportunistically. They feed on the fruits of various Ficus species. When foraging they are quite aggressive and will attempt to chase off other Barbets, Koels and any other frugivores. This bird is seen perched on a Drumstick Tree growing in the backyard, soaking in the light of the setting sun.