Megalaima Collection

Megalaima zeylanica, brown-headed barbet
Plate 28, painting by Pieter Cornelius de Bevere, from the Loten Collection of coloured drawings of Birds, Mammals, Insects & Plants, (1754-57)

Coppersmith barbet, Megalaima haemacephala, pied puffbird, Notharchus tectus, and collared puffbird, Bucco capensis
FLO4597699 Coppersmith barbet, Megalaima haemacephala, pied puffbird, Notharchus tectus, and collared puffbird, Bucco capensis

Brown-headed barbet, Megalaima zeylanica? (Buff-faced barbet, Bucco lathami). From a specimen labeled Megalaima lathami in the British Museum

Blue-throated barbet, Psilopogon asiaticus
Blue-throated or mountain barbet, Psilopogon asiaticus. (Blue-cheeked barbet, Trogon asiaticus). Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by John Latham from his own A General History of Birds

Crimson-throated barbet and unknown warbler
Crimson-throated barbet, Megalaima rubricapillus, and unknown warbler. (Red-crowned barbet, Bucco rubricapillus and olive coloured warbler)

Exotic birds
Rufous-tailed jacamar, Galbula ruficauda, female 1, blue-throated barbet, Megalaima asiatica 2, hyacinth macaw, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus 3, galah, Eolophus roseicapilla 4

Megalaima rubricapillus, crimson-fronted barbet
Plate 29, painting by Pieter Cornelius de Bevere, from the Loten Collection of coloured drawings of Birds, Mammals, Insects & Plants, (1754-57)

Blue-throated Barbet, Megalaima asiatica
Number 17 of 61 watercolour drawings of birds from the Himalaya Mountains in the collection of Lady Mary Bentinck. Artist unknown, date 1833, Library & Archives Z88 f BEN Date: 1833

Picture No. 10899612
Brown-headed barbet - sitting on branch (Megalaima zeylanica) Date:

Picture No. 10899610
Coppersmith barbet - looking down - on branch (Megalaima haemacephala) Date:

Picture No. 10899611
Coppersmith Barbet - on branch alert posture - amongst leaves (Megalaima haemacephala) Date:

Wallaces birds
Bird specimens (possibly Megalaima) collected by Alfred Russel Wallace

Megalaima viridis, white-cheeked barbet
Plate 1, watercolour by Margaret Bushby Lascelles Cockburn from her Neilgherry birds and Miscellaneous, (1858)

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Megalaima, also known as the brown-headed barbet or blue-throated barbet, is a fascinating species of exotic birds. One particular member of this family is Megalaima zeylanica, commonly referred to as the brown-headed barbet. With its vibrant plumage and distinct features, it truly stands out in the avian world. Another close relative is the blue-throated barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus), which shares similarities with Megalaima zeylanica but boasts a striking blue throat that adds an extra touch of allure. These beautiful creatures can often be spotted alongside other bird species like crimson-throated barbets and unknown warblers, creating a mesmerizing sight for any nature enthusiast. If you're lucky enough to come across these stunning birds in their natural habitat, such as those captured in Picture No. 10899612, Picture No. 10899610, and Picture No. 10899611 from Wallace's collection of avian wonders, you'll surely be captivated by their charm. Let's not forget about Megalaima rubricapillus - the crimson-fronted barbet. This unique variation showcases a crimson-colored forehead that sets it apart from its counterparts within the Megalaima family. Lastly, we have Megalaima viridis - better known as the white-cheeked barbet - another remarkable member of this diverse group. Its pristine white cheeks add elegance to its appearance and make it easily recognizable among other bird species. Whether you encounter a brown-headed or blue-throated variant during your explorations into nature's marvels or stumble upon one of Wallace's breathtaking photographs featuring these megalaims – each moment spent observing these extraordinary creatures will undoubtedly leave you awe-inspired by their beauty and grace.