Torito Dorsiblanco
White-mantled Barbet
Capito hypoleucus
Song
White-mantled Barbet
Appearance: The White-mantled Barbet is a medium-sized bird measuring about 18-20 cm in length. As its name suggests, it has a white mantle. The rest of its plumage includes a vibrant combination of black, red, and white. The head is black with a red forehead and throat, while the underparts are white. It has a stout and slightly curved bill that is adapted for its frugivorous diet.
Habitat: This species is endemic to Colombia, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is found at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,800 m. The White-mantled Barbet prefers dense, humid forest environments where it can find abundant fruiting trees.
Behavior: The diet of the White-mantled Barbet consists of fruits and berries. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal within its habitat. These birds are often observed in pairs or small family groups. They are known for their sedentary lifestyle, often staying within the same area. Their calls are loud and distinctive, often used to communicate with mates or family members.
Breeding: White-mantled Barbets nest in tree cavities, which they either find or excavate themselves. The breeding season varies depending on the region, but involves the female laying a clutch of 2-4 eggs. Both parents are involved in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch.
Conservation Status: The White-mantled Barbet is currently listed as "Vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The White-mantled Barbet distribution is restricted to the Magdalena Valley, which is located in the northern part of the country. This area includes the departments of Antioquia, Boyacá, Caldas, Cundinamarca, and Santander.
The species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the White-mantled Barbet is considered vulnerable, and conservation efforts are crucial to protect its natural habitat.
Taxonomy
The White-mantled Barbet (Capito hypoleucus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Piciformes
- Family: Capitonidae
- Genus: Capito
- Species: Capito hypoleucus
Vocalization
The White-mantled Barbet, a bird species known for its distinctive vocalizations. Its calls are a series of loud, resonant notes that can be described as rhythmic and repetitive. These vocalizations consist of a series of "poop-poop-poop" or "wuk-wuk-wuk" sounds, that the bird uses for communication during the breeding season to establish territory and attract mates.
The sound is quite characteristic of barbets, being both loud and far-carrying, which helps them communicate across the dense forest habitats they inhabit
