The lemon-throated barbet is a species of bird in the New World barbet family Capitonidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests of Bolivia, Brazil (western Amazonia), Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Prefers humid terra firme and várzea forests, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. Most often found in the mid- to upper canopy, where it moves through fruiting trees. It may also use riparian corridors and bamboo thickets within otherwise continuous forest. Often detected by voice before being seen due to its quiet, deliberate foraging behavior.
Altitude Range
100–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This colorful barbet of the western Amazon is named for its vivid lemon-yellow throat, which contrasts with its green body and often orangish to red-tinged forehead in males. It frequents the mid- to upper canopy and is more often heard than seen, giving steady, hollow barbet notes. Like other barbets, it excavates its own nest cavity in soft or decaying wood. It plays an important role in seed dispersal through its fruit-heavy diet.
Temperament
quiet and deliberate, canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short undulating flights between canopy trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; often associates loosely with mixed-species flocks when trees are fruiting. Excavates nest cavities in soft or decaying wood, typically in dead limbs or stubs. Both sexes participate in cavity excavation and parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a steady series of hollow, ringing notes typical of barbets, often a monotonous 'took-took-took' phrase delivered from a perch. Calls carry through the forest canopy and can continue for long periods. Vocalizations are key for detection in dense foliage.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed barbet with dense, glossy plumage; males show a bright lemon-yellow throat and upper breast, green upperparts, and often an orange to reddish forehead/crown. Underparts are yellowish to greenish with slight mottling; females are duller with more green tones and faint streaking below.
Diet
Primarily consumes small to medium fruits and berries, including figs and melastomes. Also takes insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage, bark, and clusters of dead leaves. Occasionally ingests seeds and small invertebrates opportunistically at fruiting trees. Its fruit-eating habits make it an effective seed disperser within rainforest ecosystems.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid- to upper canopy of humid lowland forest, especially at fruiting trees. Uses forest edges, clearings with tall second growth, and riverine corridors when fruit is available.
