The yellow-fronted barbet is an Asian barbet, which is an endemic resident breeder in Sri Lanka, where it inhabits subtropical and tropical moist forests, wetlands, plantations and rural gardens up to an altitude of 2,000 m (6,600 ft).
Region
Sri Lanka
Typical Environment
Occurs from lowland rainforests to montane and submontane forests, as well as in wooded plantations, home gardens, and parklands. It favors areas with abundant fruiting trees, particularly figs, and uses forest edges and clearings readily. The species adapts well to anthropogenic habitats where large trees remain. Less frequent in the driest parts of the island but can appear wherever fruiting trees are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This barbet is endemic to Sri Lanka and is commonly encountered in moist forests, plantations, and gardens. It excavates its own nest cavity in soft or dead wood, with both sexes sharing the work. Its persistent, ringing calls often reveal its presence long before it is seen. By swallowing and dispersing seeds, especially of figs, it plays an important role in forest regeneration.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in soft or dead wood and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Pairs defend small territories centered on feeding and nesting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, ringing series of hollow notes delivered at steady intervals, often continuing for long periods. Calls carry far through forest and gardens and are used for territorial advertisement and pair contact.
Plumage
Bright green body with a vividly colored head; the forehead is yellow with contrasting blue on the face and throat. Feathers are dense and slightly fluffy, typical of barbets, giving a smooth, clean outline. The bill base shows bristly feathers.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits, especially figs, berries, and cultivated fruits such as guava and mango. It also supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates, especially during breeding. Fruits are swallowed whole and later regurgitated or passed, aiding seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the canopy and mid-storey of forests and in tall fruiting trees within gardens and plantations. Frequently visits fig trees and other seasonally fruiting species and will forage along forest edges and clearings.
