The golden-naped barbet is a member of the family Megalaimidae. It is found in Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is endemic to the island of Borneo. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs across Borneo in Indonesia (Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), and Brunei. It inhabits evergreen lowland, hill, and lower montane forests, including edges and selectively logged areas with mature fruiting trees. Most frequently encountered in the canopy and along ridgelines where figs and other fruiting trees are abundant. It can persist in mixed forest–agriculture mosaics if large fruiting trees remain.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This canopy-dwelling barbet is far more often heard than seen, giving persistent, ringing notes from high in fruiting trees. It plays an important role as a seed disperser, especially for figs. Pairs excavate nest cavities in soft or dead wood, both adults sharing incubation and chick-rearing.
Temperament
shy canopy specialist, usually quiet in foliage but vocal when calling
Flight Pattern
short direct flights with rapid wingbeats between high perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at fruiting trees. Pairs are territorial and maintain contact with duetted calls. They nest in cavities excavated in dead or decaying wood, where both sexes share excavation, incubation, and feeding duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of loud, ringing, evenly spaced notes delivered in prolonged bouts, often at dawn. Calls can be antiphonal between pair members and carry far through the forest canopy.
