The yellow-crowned barbet is a species of bird in the Megalaimidae family. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland and hill forests of Brunei, Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo/Kalimantan), Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak), Singapore, and southern Thailand. It favors primary and older secondary dipterocarp rainforest, as well as peat-swamp and riparian forests. Often associates with fruiting trees, especially figs, and sometimes visits forest edge and selectively logged areas. It is largely arboreal, spending most time in the mid- to upper canopy.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling barbet of Sundaic lowland forests, it is most often detected by its loud, repetitive, booming calls rather than by sight. It nests in cavities it excavates in soft or decaying wood, using its stout bill. By swallowing fruits whole and later regurgitating seeds, it plays a key role in forest regeneration. Ongoing loss of lowland rainforest has reduced suitable habitat across its range.
Temperament
shy and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups at fruiting trees. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead or decaying wood and defend territories around nest and key food sources. Both sexes participate in incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, monotonous series of booming, hollow notes delivered at steady intervals, often in long bouts. Calls carry far through the forest and may include duets between pair members.
