The scarlet-hooded barbet is a species of bird in the family Capitonidae, the New World barbets. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
Region
Southwestern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowlands and foothills of Bolivia, western Brazil (notably Acre and adjacent areas), and southeastern Peru. It favors humid terra firme and seasonally flooded forests, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. The species often uses bamboo-dominated thickets (Guadua) and vine tangles within the midstory and subcanopy. It also visits fruiting trees along river corridors and clearings near human settlements.
Altitude Range
200–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking New World barbet is noted for the male’s vivid scarlet hood and its loud, repetitive duet calls that carry through the forest. It nests in cavities it excavates in decaying wood, with both sexes sharing the work. Like many barbets, it swallows fruit whole and disperses seeds, playing an important role in forest regeneration.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in soft or rotten wood and share incubation and chick-rearing. Territorial duets are common, especially at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, repetitive series of hollow, piping notes delivered in rhythmic sequences, often as a duet between partners. Calls carry far through the forest and may accelerate or slow slightly during a bout.
