The Brown-headed Barbet or Large Green Barbet (Megalaima zeylanica) is an Asian barbet.
Distribution / Range
The Brown-headed Barbet is found in India and Sri Lanka, where it is found in gardens and wooded country.
Description
This is a relatively large barbet measuring, on average, 27 cm in length.
It has a large head and a short neck and short tail.
The adult has a streaked brown head, neck and breast, with a yellow eye patch. The rest of the plumage is green. The bill is thick and red.
Males and females look alike.
Similar species: The White-cheeked Barbet largely replaces this species in the Western Ghats and hilly parts of southern peninsular India although both species may occur in many places. The calls of this species is similar but the white cheek patch is distinctive.
Diet / Feeding
It feeds on fruit and insects.
Nesting / Breeding
It nests in tree cavities. The average clutch consists of 2 – 4 eggs.
Calls / Vocalizations
The call is a repetitive kutroo…kutroo…kutroo. Others take up the call when one starts. Somewhat silent in the winter.
Related Web Resources: Asian Barbet Information … Asian Barbet Species … Asian Barbet Photo Gallery
