Gilded Barbet (Capito auratus)

Identification & Behavior: ~17.5 cm (6.9 in). The Gilded Barbet has a broad black streak that starts at the base of the bill, across the eye toward the back, which is black with golden bars and streaks. The throat is orange with yellow underparts.  The color structure of females is similar, but are heavily streaked with blackish and gold.  It favors terra firme forest, but also occurs in tall varzea forests. It resembles the Lemon-throated Barbet, but is distinguished by the black facial streak, black back, streaks in females and dark bill.     

Status: The Gilded Barbet is uncommon in Amazonia where it is known to range up to 1350 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Barbudo Brilloso.

Sub-species: Gilded Barbet (Capito auratus auratus), Dumont 1816. NE Peru from the mouth of R Napo S along R Amazon and R Ucayali.
(Capito auratus punctatus), Lesson 1830. Lower E Andes from Ecuador to Junin.
(Capito auratus orosae) Chapman, 1928. E Peru from R Orosa E to R Javari, S to extreme W Brazil.
(Capito auratus insperatus), Cherrie, 1916. SE Peru, N Bolivia and W Brazil.

Meaning of Name: Capito: L. Caput= head, big head. auratus: L. auratus, aurata, aurum= gold.

See more of the Family Capitonidae