Blue-eared Barbet vs Brown-headed Barbet

In short

The Blue-eared Barbet is best distinguished by its blue ear coverts, whereas the Brown-headed Barbet features a brown head with an orange bill. Both species are cavity-nesting and fruit-eating, but they differ in habitat preferences, with the Brown-headed Barbet often found in urban areas.

Identification tips

• Look for blue ear coverts in the Blue-eared Barbet.
• Identify the brown head and orange bill of the Brown-headed Barbet.
• Note the habitat: urban areas suggest Brown-headed Barbet, while forest canopy suggests Blue-eared Barbet.

Plumage

The Blue-eared Barbet has distinctive blue ear coverts, while the Brown-headed Barbet has a brown head with fainter streaking and an orange bill.

Habitat

The Brown-headed Barbet is common in urban areas and parks, while the Blue-eared Barbet is typically found in high canopy forests.