h Gold-whiskered Barbet at Sepilok by SINGH HSS, Amar - Borneo Bird Images

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RAMPHASTIDAE Barbets > Gold-whiskered Barbet

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image 7606 of Gold-whiskered Barbet

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Gold-whiskered Barbet

Latin Name : Megalaima chrysopogon

Site Name : Sepilok

Photographer : SINGH HSS, Amar

Date : 2016-05-02

Notes : Another of the many birds that came to feed on oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis).
The forecrown is yellow and the hindcrown should be red. What is odd in this bird is the hindcrown is largely blue with a sprinkling of red centrally. The bird was mature both in appearance and behaviour, so I do not think this is due to immaturity. I have looked at images posted of birds from Borneo both in OBI and Borneo Bird Images, and more blue is present than expected but not as much as this bird. The Peninsular Malaysia birds (M. c. laetus) do have some blue at the sides of the crown but not as prominent as this bird.
Perhaps the bird is moulting or M. c. chrysopsis have a blue crown variation?
Appreciate any opinions from those who have watched this bird in Borneo.