New World Barbets

Order: PICIFORMES - Family: CAPITONIDAE

Species currently existing 18 - in region 8

Appearance: New World Barbets exhibit robust bodies with short necks and large heads. Their bills are strong and slightly curved, adapted for feeding on fruits.
Species often feature vibrant plumage.

Habitat: In Colombia, Barbets predominantly inhabit tropical and subtropical forests. They can be found in lowland areas as well as mountainous regions. They thrive in humid forests, edges of rainforests, and even secondary growth areas. They are also seen in gardens and agricultural fields that are nearby forested areas, reflecting adaptability to human-altered landscapes.

Behavior: Barbets are primarily frugivorous, mostly consuming fruits, but they also feed on insects, which helps them meet their protein requirements, especially during breeding. They are generally seen in pairs or small groups, and tend to be quite vocal, exhibiting a range of calls and sounds to communicate with one another.

Breeding: Most New World Barbets nest in tree cavities, which they may excavate or use pre-existing holes. They typically prefer dead or decaying wood for nesting sites. The breeding season varies by species, but typically involves the female laying 2-5 eggs. Both parents usually participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the young once they hatch.

Conservation Status: New World Barbets face threats mainly from habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization.

Scarlet-crowned Barbet

Capito aurovirens
Spanish Name: Torito Coronado

Size: 7.5 in | 19 cm
Habitat: Canopy of tropical forests, where they move agilely among the branches in search of ripe fruits.
Height: <600 m

Photo: © Roger Ahlman eBird S39321461 Macaulay Library ML 71373621

Spot-crowned Barbet

Capito maculicoronatus
Spanish Name: Torito Cabeciblanco

Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Canopy of tropical forests, where they move actively through the trees in search of their food.
Height: <900 m

Photo: © Mark Scheel eBird Checklist Macaulay Library ML 45814371

Orange-fronted Barbet

Capito squamatus
Spanish Name: Torito Frentirrojo

Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Canopy of tropical forests, where they move through the trees in search of fruits and insects.
Height: 600-1500 m

Photo: © Lisa Brunetti eBird S41606087 Macaulay Library ML 80493991

White-mantled Barbet

Capito hypoleucus
Spanish Name: Torito Dorsiblanco

Size: 7.5 in | 19 cm
Habitat: Canopy of tropical forests, where they move through the trees in search of fruits and insects.
Height: 200-1900 m

Photo: © Trina Anderson eBird S38829890 Macaulay Library ML 67063431

Julio Calderón Birding Tour Guide
eBird S51485514
Macaulay Library ML 134053571

Five-colored Barbet

Capito quinticolor
Spanish Name: Torito Multicolor

Size: 7 in | 18 cm
Habitat: Canopy of wet tropical forest.
Height: <400 m

Gilded Barbet

Capito auratus
Spanish Name: Torito Filigrana

Size: 7.5 in | 19 cm
Habitat: Canopy of tropical forests, where they move through the trees in search of fruits and insects.
Height: <1400 m

Lemon-throated Barbet

Eubucco richardsoni
Spanish Name: Torito Limón

Size: 6 in | 15 cm
Habitat: Upper canopy of cloud forests.
Height: <1200 m

Red-headed Barbet

Eubucco bourcierii
Spanish Name: Torito Cabecirrojo

Size: 6.5 in | 16.5 cm
Habitat: Upper canopy of cloud forests.
Height: 500-2400 m