The toucan barbet is a barbet native to western Ecuador and Colombia. Along with the prong-billed barbet, it forms the family Semnornithidae, and is closely related to the toucans. It is a medium-sized barbet with a robust yellow bill. It has striking plumage, having a black head with grey throat and nape, red breast and upper belly, yellow lower belly and grey wings and tail.
Region
Northwest South America
Typical Environment
Occurs on the western Andean slopes and adjacent foothills of Colombia and Ecuador, especially within the Chocó bioregion. Prefers humid montane cloud forests rich in epiphytes and fruiting trees, as well as edges and tall secondary growth. Frequently forages from the midstory to the canopy but will descend to lower strata at fruiting shrubs. Often seen at forest edges near clearings and along ridgelines where fruit is abundant.
Altitude Range
600–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The toucan barbet is one of only two species in the family Semnornithidae, closely related to toucans. Pairs often perform loud, far-carrying duets and sometimes breed cooperatively with helpers. It is an important seed disperser in Andean cloud forests, moving the seeds of many fruiting trees. Habitat loss in the Chocó and Andean foothills is the primary threat to this species.
Northwest Ecuador
Cloud forest in Ecuador
Toucan barbet feeding in Ecuador
Plate-billed mountain toucans are nest predators of toucan barbets.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in decaying wood and share incubation and care of young; helpers may assist. Territorial duets help maintain pair bonds and territory boundaries.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Pairs deliver resonant, repetitive duets that carry far through cloud forests, with evenly spaced notes. Calls include rolling, grating phrases and deep, frog-like notes used in contact and alarm.
