Megalaima asiatica ( Blue- throated Barbet )
Megalaima asiatica – Blue- throated Barbet (click to enlarge)
Blue- throated Barbet (click to enlarge)
| Common name | Blue-throated Barbet |
| Scientific name | Megalaima asiatica |
| Family | Megalaimidae |
| Description | It is a gaudily colored dumpy green arboreal bird with a heavy conical bill. Its forehead and crown are crimson with transverse black bands above the eyes. The sides of the head, chin, throat and fore-neck are pale blue. A large crimson spot is observable on each side of the neck and a crimson speck on either side at the base of the lower mandible. The sexes are alike. The birds exist singly, or in parties, feeding on leafy fruiting trees. It is found in the lower Himalayas up to 2000 meters. t likes fruits and berries; figs of various species of Ficus being its special favorite. Like other barbets, it frequently catches flying termites in the air. |