The black-girdled barbet is a species of bird in the family Capitonidae, the New World barbets. It is found in Brazil and Bolivia.
Region
Southwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland evergreen forest, especially terra firme, as well as tall secondary growth and forest edges. It forages mostly in the mid- to upper canopy, occasionally descending to fruiting shrubs along gaps and rivers. The species is recorded in western Brazil and adjacent northern Bolivia. It tolerates light disturbance but declines where large tracts of primary forest are removed.
Altitude Range
100–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling New World barbet, the black-girdled barbet plays an important role in seed dispersal across southwestern Amazonian forests. Pairs often duet with rhythmic, hollow notes that carry through the forest. Like other barbets, it nests in tree cavities that the pair excavates, typically in soft or decaying wood.
A pair at Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso state, Brazil
Temperament
quiet, often shy in canopy
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks when fruiting trees are abundant. Pairs maintain small territories and perform duets. Both sexes excavate and attend a cavity nest placed in soft or dead wood.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repeated series of hollow, resonant 'pup' or 'tuk' notes, given in measured rhythm. Pairs often duet, overlapping phrases to create a steady, far-carrying cadence.
Plumage
Compact barbet with bright yellow underparts crossed by a broad, contrasting black band across the upper chest; upperparts mostly olive to dark green with a darker head. Bill stout and slightly arched; face largely dark with pale edging. Small patches of warmer tones may show around the vent and flanks.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking a wide variety of soft fruits and berries from canopy and edge trees. Supplements diet with insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark, especially when feeding young. By swallowing fruits whole and later defecating seeds, it helps disperse many forest plants.
Preferred Environment
Forages at fruiting trees in the mid to upper canopy, along forest edges, and in tall secondary growth. Will also visit river edges and gaps where pioneer trees fruit heavily.
