Lineated Barbet (Psilopogon lineatus)

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**Lineated Barbet (Psilopogon lineatus) – A Detailed Overview**

The Lineated Barbet (Psilopogon lineatus) is a striking bird species belonging to the Asian barbet family (Megalaimidae). It is known for its loud calls and distinctive green plumage, blending well into the dense forest canopy. This species is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Taxonomy & Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Piciformes
Family: Megalaimidae
Genus: Psilopogon
Species: Psilopogon lineatus

Morphology & Physical Characteristics

The Lineated Barbet is a medium-sized bird, growing up to 26–30 cm in length with a stout body and strong bill. Some of its defining physical features include:

Plumage: Predominantly green, helping it blend with the foliage.
Head & Face: The head has light brown streaks with a whitish throat.
Bill: Large, pale yellowish to ivory-colored, adapted for fruit and insect feeding.
Eyes: Dark brown with a slight yellowish orbital ring.
Wings & Tail: Green wings and tail, often showing a slight yellowish tinge.
Feet: Strong zygodactylous feet (two toes forward, two backward), aiding in gripping tree trunks.

Vocalization & Behavior

The Lineated Barbet is known for its loud, repetitive “kutroo-kutroo” call, which can often be heard echoing through forests.
It is primarily a frugivore, feeding on figs, berries, and other soft fruits, though it occasionally consumes insects and small reptiles.
It is a non-migratory species, preferring to stay within its home range throughout the year.

Habitat & Distribution

The Lineated Barbet thrives in:

Tropical & Subtropical Forests
Dense Woodlands
Plains & Hill Forests
Urban Gardens & Orchards

It is commonly found in Bangladesh, India (including the Sundarban region), Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand, adapting well to different types of wooded habitats.

Breeding & Nesting Behavior

The breeding season spans from March to July.
They nest in tree cavities, usually excavating holes in deadwood or soft tree trunks.
Both male and female participate in incubation, which lasts about 13–15 days.
The chicks are altricial (born blind and helpless) and remain in the nest for several weeks before fledging.

Presence of Lineated Barbet in Sundarban

The Sundarban mangrove ecosystem, spread across India and Bangladesh, provides a diverse habitat for many bird species, including the Lineated Barbet.

Factors Favoring Its Presence in Sundarban

Rich Floral Diversity: The Sundarban is home to various fruit-bearing trees, especially figs and other wild fruits, which are a primary food source for the Lineated Barbet.
Dense Forest Canopy: The mangrove forests and mixed deciduous trees offer ideal nesting and roosting sites.
Climate Adaptability: The tropical humid climate of Sundarban is well-suited for this species.
Availability of Nesting Sites: The mangrove trees and old dead trunks provide suitable nesting spaces.

Challenges in Sundarban

Habitat Destruction: Deforestation and climate change are impacting Sundarban’s ecosystem, which may indirectly affect the Lineated Barbet population.
Cyclones & Rising Salinity: Frequent cyclones and salinity increase due to climate change can alter their habitat conditions.
Predation: Young barbets and eggs face threats from predators like snakes, larger birds, and mammals.

Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Lineated Barbet is classified as “Least Concern (LC)”, meaning it is not currently at risk of extinction. However, continuous habitat monitoring is necessary, especially in fragile ecosystems like Sundarban, to ensure their stable population.

The Lineated Barbet (Psilopogon lineatus) is a fascinating bird species that plays a crucial role in seed dispersal within its ecosystem. Its presence in Sundarban highlights the region’s ecological richness. However, with the growing environmental challenges, conservation efforts must focus on habitat protection and sustainable management to safeguard this species for future generations.

Find all relevant details on Wikipedia – here’s the linkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lineated_barbet

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