Sri Lanka Small Barbet / Crimson-fronted Barbet

 

Megalaima rubricapilla

Identification - Endemic to Sri Lanka. Small in size, has a black bill, Red colour forehead,  yellowish orange around the eye with black out linings, black eye-stripe, yellow chin and throat, blue patch above the throat. red patches on the breast, body is green while the feet are red. Mostly can be seen on trees with small fruits. Distributed throughout the island but mostly visible in the wet zone. Can not identify  the male and female separately. 

Nesting - Nest in small tree holes. Frequent visiting to the nest is observed. Nests are made in soft woody trees or decayed branches of trees. Holes are perfectly round.

 Nest

                                                                                                           Lovindu Kuruppu