Region

Amazon Basin

Typical Environment

Occurs widely in the lowland rainforests of northern South America, including the western and central Amazon. Favors terra firme and várzea forests, edges, and riverine corridors where fruiting trees are abundant. Most activity is in the canopy and subcanopy, though it sometimes visits forest edges and clearings. It tolerates secondary growth better where large fruiting trees remain, but avoids very open habitats.

Altitude Range

0–900 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying wood and share incubation and chick rearing. Generally territorial around nest sites but tolerant at abundant fruit sources.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives a rhythmic, hollow series of barbet notes that carry far through the forest, often delivered in steady sequences. Calls include soft churring and tapping-like notes exchanged between pair members.

Diet

Primarily consumes a wide variety of soft fruits and berries, including figs and other canopy fruits. Often swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Supplements its diet with insects and other small arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark, especially when feeding young.

Preferred Environment

Feeds mainly in the canopy and subcanopy at fruiting trees, along forest edges, and in riverine woodland. Will descend to midstory or edges when particular trees are in season, and occasionally visits secondary growth if fruit is abundant.