Red-throated Barbet (Megalaima mystacophanos)

Here’s a detailed overview of the Red-throated Barbet (Megalaima mystacophanos):

🐦 Red-throated Barbet Overview

• Scientific name: Megalaima mystacophanos (sometimes now placed in genus Psilopogon)
• Common name: Red-throated Barbet
• Family: Megalaimidae (Asian barbets)
• Size: ~27–30 cm in length
• Weight: ~110–130 grams

🌍 Distribution and Habitat

• Found in Southeast Asia, mainly:
  • Peninsular Malaysia
  • Southern Thailand
  • Borneo
  • Sumatra
  • Parts of southern Myanmar
• Habitat:
  • Lowland and hill tropical rainforests, up to ~900 m altitude.
  • Occasionally in secondary forest, plantations, and gardens with large trees.

🍽 Diet

• Frugivorous (fruit-eating):
  • Primarily feeds on various tropical fruits (figs, berries, small drupes).
• Also eats:
  • Insects, larvae, and small arthropods — especially during breeding when protein is important for chicks.
• Plays an important role as a seed disperser in tropical ecosystems.

🐦 Appearance and Identification

• Male & Female: Very similar, both brightly colored:
  • Bright red throat (most distinctive feature).
  • Green body plumage.
  • Black forehead.
  • Blue crown and eyebrow stripe.
  • Yellow markings around the face.
• Short tail, stout body, and heavy bill typical of barbets.
• Loud, resonant calls, often described as repetitive and hollow-sounding.

🐣 Breeding and Behavior

• Nests in tree cavities, often excavated by the birds themselves.
• Both sexes participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding chicks.
• Breeding season varies but often peaks in early wet seasons depending on local climate.
• Behavior:
  • Mostly sedentary (non-migratory).
  • Forages in the forest canopy, often quietly unless calling.
  • Usually solitary or in pairs; occasionally joins mixed-species flocks when foraging.

⚠ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT)
• Main threats:
  • Habitat loss due to deforestation, especially lowland rainforest logging and conversion to agriculture (e.g., palm oil plantations).
  • Fragmentation of remaining habitat patches.
• Conservation depends on protection of intact rainforest habitats.

🔎 Interesting Facts

• Barbets get their name from the bristle-like feathers around the base of their heavy bills.
• Their excavated nest holes are sometimes reused by other species after the barbets vacate them.
• Their distinctive, rhythmic calls carry far through the dense forest.

If you want, I can also provide:

• a habitat map
• audio description of their call
• comparison with other barbets
• photos or illustration

👉 Just let me know what you’d like to explore next!