WildView™

January 6, 2025

The Many Colors of the Taiwan Barbet

- as seen by -

Bryan Kao

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As an island, Taiwan is home to many endemic species found nowhere else on the planet. Among them, the Taiwan barbet (Psilopogon nuchalis) stands out from the other birds with its captivating painted face. Aptly, in Mandarin it is called the “Five-Colored Bird” (五色鳥). Despite its elaborate mask-like plumage of red, blue, yellow, black, and green body, it still camouflages well in the shade of the forest canopy. Like its relatives the toucans and woodpeckers, the barbet is a cavity nester that raises its chicks in dead tree trunks and branches, and some of the island’s parks have installed artificial nest boxes for them.

To the benefit of birders and photographers, Taiwan barbets are tolerant of urban parks and their beauty can be admired in many green spaces around the Taipei metropolis.

In the heart of Beitou Park stands one large ornamental fig tree next to Beitou Public Library. Foraging barbets descended to its lower branches, providing excellent views right above my head. I counted at least six of them messily feasting on figs in the same tree.

I find it relevant to note that Beitou Public Library was designed as an eco-building with solar panels and energy-saving features. The small, wooded area where it is located provides habitat to urban wildlife and is surrounded by hot springs resorts that rely on geothermal activity. It is a unique place for a tranquil day trip: read a book, go to the spa, and look for five-colored birds.

Nikon D5500 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens

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