The barbet bird, known for its colorful plumage and distinctive calls, goes by many different names depending on the region and language. In the Kannada language, spoken in the state of Karnataka in South India, the barbet has several common names.
The Barbet in Kannada Culture
In Kannada, the barbet is known as a “baale” bird. Kannada is one of the Dravidian languages closely related to Tamil and Malayalam. The barbet figures prominently in folk songs and poetry in Kannada literature, where it is celebrated for its bright plumage and cheerful chirping sounds. The onomatopoeic names for the barbet in Kannada attempt to phonetically capture the sounds of its repetitive calls.
The barbet gets its Kannada name from the sound it makes, similar to many other bird names in the language. The repetitive syllables of its call are sounded out in its name. In Kannada, the barbet’s call is written as “ku-ta, ku-ta, ku-dikum-ta.” As a result, Kannada speakers came to know this bird as the “kudikitta” or “kutikiri” bird.
Common Kannada Names for the Barbet
Here are some of the most widely used Kannada names for the barbet bird:
- Kudikitta
- Kutikiri
- Baale
- Kuruve
- Kuyilu
These names imitate the repetitive call of the barbet in the Kannada language. The onomatopoeic words try to phonetically capture the “ku-ta, ku-ta” sounds made by the bird.
Kudikitta
“Kudikitta” is the most common Kannada name used for the barbet. It comes from the sound “kudiku” produced by these birds. The name literally means “the bird that makes the kuduku sound.”
Kutikiri
Very similar is “kutikiri,” another popular Kannada name for the barbet. It also tries to phonetically spell out the “ku-ta” call of the bird in Kannada.
Baale
“Baale” is a more generic Kannada word for a bird. It is sometimes used to refer to the barbet due to its bright plumage.
Kuruve
“Kuruve” means “short” in Kannada. This name likely refers to the barbet’s short, stubby appearance and its short tail.
Kuyilu
“Kuyilu” associates the barbet with the koel bird, known as “kuyil” in Kannada. This name comparison likely arises from the barbet’s similarly repetitive call.
Reasons for the Kannada Names
The Kannada language names for the barbet bird tell us a few things about how they perceive this bird:
- Kannada speakers are very attentive to the sounds and calls of birds. The language has numerous onomatopoeic names that phonetically mimic bird cries.
- The barbet’s call stands out as unique and memorable to Kannada speakers, leading to its imitative names like “kudikitta.”
- The bright green, yellow, and red plumage also leads to descriptive names like “baale.”
- The stubby shape and short tail are also noticed in names like “kuruve.”
- The repetitive call is reminiscent of other birds, like the “kuyil,” leading to comparative names.
In summary, Kannada names for the barbet are descriptive of its physical features and prominent call. They emphasize what stands out most about this bird to native Kannada speakers.
Scientific Name and Classification
While native Kannada names are descriptive, the barbet has a systematic scientific name that identifies its genus and species. The barbet belongs to the large bird family known as Lybiidae.
The scientific classification of the barbet bird is:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Piciformes
- Family: Lybiidae
- Genus: Psilopogon
- Species: varies by barbet type, for example: P. haemacephalus (Coppersmith barbet)
There are several species of barbet found in India. The most common Indian barbet species include:
Species of Barbet Native to India
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Coppersmith Barbet | Psilopogon haemacephalus |
| Crimson-fronted Barbet | Psilopogon rubricapillus |
| Brown-headed Barbet | Psilopogon zeylanicus |
| White-cheeked Barbet | Psilopogon viridis |
| Malabar Barbet | Psilopogon malabaricus |
Scientific classification helps understand the evolutionary relationships and distinguish between similar species of barbet. The folk names in local languages like Kannada provide culturally descriptive names to identify these colorful birds.
Significance of the Barbet in Indian Culture
The barbet holds a special significance in Indian culture beyond its recognizable appearance and call. Its importance is reflected in folklore, poetry, art, and spiritual symbolism across India’s languages and artistic traditions.
Folklore
The coppersmith barbet is prominent in folktales from the Munda tribes of Central India to the Bhil tribes of Rajasthan. Its repetitive call is interpreted as hammering metal in these stories, leading it to be associated with craftsmanship and industry.
Poetry
The barbet’s call stands out so much that it is featured prominently in Indian poetry. Poets mimic its sounds in verses across Indian languages from Tamil to Hindi. The barbet often represents a lover calling out repeatedly to its mate or signaling the start of the monsoon season.
Art
The barbet is easily identified by its vivid hues and appears frequently in Indian miniature paintings. Mughal, Deccani, and Pahari school paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries prominently feature barbets as their colors stood out in detailed nature scenes.
Spiritual Symbolism
In Hindu mythology, the barbet is associated with Kama, the god of love. Its repetitive mating call signals desire and fertility. The copper hues link it to Lakshmi, representing prosperity and good fortune.
The barbet thus symbolizes marital felicity, fertility, diligence, fortune, and spirituality in Indian culture.
Conclusion
In summary, the barbet bird has distinctive names in Indian languages that try to capture its visual and vocal features. In Kannada, it is commonly known as the “kudikitta” or “kutikiri” for its repetitive “ku-ta” call. But it also holds rich cultural symbolism across India’s artistic traditions. The barbet’s unique features and sounds have captured the Indian imagination, giving rise to descriptive folk names, appearances in poems and paintings, and symbolic meaning associated with the barbet.
