Yellow-fronted Barbet Psilopogon flavifrons Scientific name definitions

21–22 cm; male 57–60 g. Medium-sized green barbet . Both sexes with gold forecrown and front of malar, rest of side of head blue, chin and throat blue; pale streaks on nape, pale spots on breast. Immature duller.

Sri Lanka.

Most common in SW hill forest, gardens and tree plantations; less common in wet lowland forest, and along streams in drier E; found very locally near streams in drier N. Ranges up to c. 2000 m.

Resident; probably sedentary, but in drier areas may have to leave territory to seek food.

Various fruits and berries, including figs, also guavas and papayas; takes some insects and small lizards.

Song somewhat variable series of doub­le “toowo” or triple “too-ka-o” notes, often starting as fast “towowowow-”, then slowing to c. 1 per second, may last 2 or more minutes; countersinging and likely simultaneous singing of pair; other calls as yet undescribed.

Probably all year, peaks Mar–May and Aug–Sept. Nest excavated in softwood tree such as Bombax or Doona, mainly at 1·8–3 m, entrance hole 5 cm, cavity excavated to c. 20 cm but if used in several years can be 60 cm or more deep. Eggs 2–3; no information on incubation and fledging periods, or on feeding rates; nestlings said to vary in size, so incubation presumably from first egg, or long intervals in laying.

Not globally threatened. Restricted-range species: present in Sri Lanka EBA. Generally common and adaptable. In some areas considered a pest in orchards, causing crop damage. Present in several protected areas in Sri Lanka, e.g. Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary, Kelani River Forest Reserve, Ingiriya Forest Reserve and Sinharaja Forest Reserve.