The brown-chested barbet, also called cinnamon-breasted barbet, is a species of bird in the family Capitonidae, the New World barbets. It is endemic to Brazil's central Amazon Basin.
Region
Central Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen rainforest of central Amazonia, favoring mature terra firme forest but also using edges and well-developed secondary growth. It forages primarily in the midstory to canopy, visiting fruiting trees and occasionally descending to lower levels along forest edges. The species is associated with interfluvial regions bounded by major rivers, where it can be locally fairly common. It generally avoids highly fragmented or heavily disturbed habitats. Seasonal flooded forests may be used along margins, but terra firme remains its core habitat.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling New World barbet, it is most often detected by its repetitive, hollow calls rather than by sight. Like other barbets, it excavates nest cavities in soft or decaying wood using its stout bill. The species plays an important role in dispersing seeds of many Amazonian fruiting trees. Pairs frequently duet, reinforcing territory and pair bonds.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within territories, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead limbs or soft trunks and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Courtship often includes duetting and mutual preening near nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of resonant, hollow 'poop' or 'puk' notes delivered in steady, repetitive sequences that can carry far through the forest. Pairs frequently duet with interwoven phrases. Calls are given from high perches in the canopy, often for extended periods.
