In the heart of the forest, a magnificent and mesmerizing avian wonder dazzles observers like a gleaming golden gem—the Gilded Barbet (Capito auratus). This splendid bird is a true spectacle, featuring a finely speckled breast adorned with striking shades of orange, yellow, and red, setting it apart as a truly distinctive species.
Photo Courtesy of PEHart / CC BY-SA 2.0
These birds can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, in the Orinoco River Basin and the western Amazon Basin.
The natural habitats of the Gilded barbet are tropical moist lowland forests and woodland. It mainly occurs in the lowlands but also ranges into the lower foothills of the eastern Andes.
Being mainly frugivorous, fruit makes up a large portion of this bird’s diet.
Like most American barbets, Gilded barbets are thought to nest in tree holes dug by breeding pairs. Up to 2 to 4 eggs are laid within.
This species is regarded as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Photo Courtesy of Patty McGann / CC BY 2.0
Watch this bird right here in the video below:
