Green-eared Barbet Psilopogon faiostrictus Scientific name definitions

c. 24–27 cm. Streaky-headed, green , short-tailed barbet. Male  has brownish streaks on crown and nape, green ear-coverts ; malar region and throat streaked; underparts light green with often inconspicuous red or orange spot on each side of breast, variably streaked depending on plumage wear; bill mostly dark. Differs from P. lineatus in smaller size, smaller and darker bill, green ear-coverts, all-green mantle. Female differs from male in lacking red breast spots, or sometimes in having them present but reduced to mere traces of red or orange-yellow. Immature duller, more olive. Race praetermissus larger, with somewhat darker head.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Primary evergreen and to some extent deciduous forest, staying in canopy; most common in evergreen forest, not extending into plantations or second growth; seems not to frequent edges, or to leave forest for purpose of foraging. In lowlands to 900 m, sometimes to 1035 m.

Resident; sedentary in S, but in N may move more or less extensively in deciduous forest, seeking fruits.

Feeds on fruits such as figs and those of Trema and Eugenia, berries; presumably also takes some insects, but little is known.

Song a rapid series of compound “twa-ta-ta-tat” or “too-er-took” notes at c. 2·5 per second; also much slower series of single “tawt” or “toook”, and a trill call.

Feb–Jul, but timing little known. Nest excavated in dead branch or, particularly, dead standing trunk; two eggs reported; no information on incubation and nestling periods or on roles of parents.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Apparently common in Thailand and Indochina; reportedly rare in China. Seems generally difficult to locate, probably because it favours canopy of evergreen forest, where not easy to detect. Requires monitoring, and study needed of its habits, ecology and breeding biology. Present in several protected areas, including Nonggang National Nature Reserve (China), Kaeng Krachan and Khao Yai National Parks (Thailand), and Nam Bai Cat Tien National Park (Vietnam).