Taiwan barbet

It was formerly considered a subspecies of the black-browed barbet[2] (Psilopogon oorti) and placed in the genus Megalaima.[1]

It is about 20 cm (7.9 in) long. The plumage is mostly green.[3] The lore has a red spot. The ear-coverts and lower malar are blue. The throat is mustard yellow.[2] The forehead is yellow. There is a black stripe above the eye. The beak is black and thick.[4] The breast has a blue band and a red band.[2] The belly is yellowish-green. The feet are greyish. The sexes are alike.[4]

In Taiwan, the bird is known as the "five-colored bird" (Chinese: 五色鳥; pinyin: Wǔsèniǎo), referring to the five colors on its plumage. Because of its colorful plumage and that its call resembles that of a percussion instrument known as a wooden fish, the species is also referred to as the "colorful monk" (Chinese: 花和尚; pinyin: Huā Héshàng; Taiwanese Hokkien: hue-á huê-siūnn) by Taiwanese.[5]

It is commonly found in forests at elevations of up to 2,800 m (9,200 ft).[2] It feeds on fruits and insects. The breeding season is from March to August.[4] It nests in tree cavities. It may use an existing cavity or excavate one.[3]

• List of endemic species of Taiwan