The prong-billed barbet is a distinctive, relatively large-billed bird native to humid highland forest of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Region
Central American Highlands
Typical Environment
Found in humid montane and cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, especially in mature forest and well-wooded edges. It frequents the midstory to canopy, often following fruiting trees along ridges and ravines. The species tolerates some secondary growth and forest borders but is most abundant in intact, mossy forest. It can also occur in mixed-species flocks when fruit is plentiful.
Altitude Range
1000–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is one of only two members of the barbet family Semnornithidae, the other being the toucan barbet. Its hefty, pale bill has small forward-pointing prongs along the edges that help it grip and tear fruit. Pairs often duet with loud, ringing calls and both sexes excavate nest cavities in decayed wood. It is a characteristic bird of Central American cloud forests.
Temperament
pair-bonded and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and sometimes joins mixed feeding flocks. Pairs are strongly bonded and perform coordinated duets. They excavate nest cavities in soft, decayed trunks or large branches, with both sexes participating in excavation, incubation, and feeding of chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers loud, ringing, repetitive notes that carry far through cloud forest. Pairs often duet in synchronized sequences, creating a rhythmic, hollow-sounding chorus.
Plumage
Stocky barbet with a warm rufous head and breast contrasting with an olive-brown back and wings; underparts trend yellowish-olive toward the belly. Plumage is dense and slightly shaggy around the head and neck, giving a bulky look. The large, pale bill and relatively short tail add to the compact impression.
Diet
Primarily consumes a variety of fruits and berries, including those of canopy trees and shrubs. It also supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates, gleaned from foliage or taken from decaying wood. During peak fruiting, it may feed methodically at a single tree for extended periods.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the midstory and canopy of humid montane forest, along forest edges, and in fruiting trees near clearings. It favors mossy, mature forest with abundant epiphytes and fruit resources.
