Malabar barbet

Chikkamagaluru foothill, Karnataka

I would say this is one of the most beautiful barbets because of its color combination. Its small red face adds another level of cuteness. By its name, you might understand that it can be found in the Malabar or Western Ghats region. This bird is also almost the same size as the Coppersmith Barbet, but this individual is very active while feeding from fig or peepal trees.

I found this individual on the roadside in the foothills of Chikkamagaluru, on the way to Kundapura. In the morning, that region was very active and full of birdsong. We stopped by even though there was no proper place to park the car, but the excitement was at its peak. I remember we stopped because we saw a Southern Hill Myna, but we ended up spotting a Grey-headed Green Pigeon, Malabar Barbet, Fairy Bluebird, Varnal Hanging Parrot, and a few more. The Malabar Barbets were in a flock, but they were hopping on the tops of tall trees. Somehow, I managed to capture these photos. We had to leave soon, though, as Kundapura was waiting for us.