Gold-whiskered Barbet – close up view of crown

on 29th May 2016

BarbetGldWh [AmarSingh] 1

“Another of the many birds that came to feed on oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis) was the Gold-whiskered Barbet (Megalaima chrysopogon chrysopsis) (above).

BarbetGldWh [AmarSingh] 2

“The above image offers a close up view of the crown. The forecrown is yellow and the hindcrown should be red. What is odd in this bird is the hindcrown is largely blue with a sprinkling of red centrally. The bird was mature both in appearance and behaviour, so I do not think this is due to immaturity.

BarbetGldWh [AmarSingh] 3

“I have looked at images posted of birds from Borneo both in Oriental Bird Images and Borneo Bird Images, and more blue is present than expected but not as much as this bird.

BarbetGldWh [AmarSingh] 4

“The Peninsular Malaysia birds (M. c. laetus) do have some blue at the sides of the crown but not as prominent as this bird. Perhaps the bird is moulting or M. c. chrysopsis have a blue crown variation?

“Appreciate any opinions from those who have watched this bird in Borneo.

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
2nd May 2016

Location: Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
Habitat: Secondary growth

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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