The black-banded barbet is a bird species in the Megalaimidae family. It is endemic to Java and Bali.
Region
Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and secondary lowland to foothill forests, forest edges, and well-treed plantations and parks. It is most often encountered in the canopy, where it visits fruiting figs and other native fruiting trees. Tolerates some habitat disturbance but is less common in heavily degraded areas. Often found in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species flocks around fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking barbet is confined to the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali, where it favors fruiting trees in lowland and hill forests. Like other barbets, it nests in cavities it excavates in dead or decaying wood. Its repetitive, hollow call often reveals its presence high in the canopy. Habitat loss and trapping pressure can affect local populations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and will gather loosely at fruiting trees. Both sexes excavate a nest cavity in soft or dead wood and share incubation and chick rearing. Territorial calling is common during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, hollow series of notes delivered at steady intervals, often a monotonous ‘tuk-tuk’ that carries far through the forest. Calls may accelerate slightly during excitement or when interacting with nearby birds.
Plumage
Mostly bright green upperparts with yellowish underparts crossed by a bold black band across the upper breast. The head shows contrasting patches of red and blue with dark mask-like areas and fine bristles at the bill base. Overall plumage is clean and glossy, with minimal streaking.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of fruits and berries, especially figs, drupes, and other soft, pulpy fruits. Also takes insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, gleaned from foliage or snapped up in short sallies. Occasionally consumes seeds and small invertebrates to supplement its fruit-based diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy at fruiting trees, moving methodically along branches to pluck ripe fruit. Will also forage at forest edges, in clearings, and in tree-rich gardens and plantations when suitable fruit is available.
