Species profile
About this species
The Red-Headed Barbet is a strikingly colourful bird found in the humid forests of Central & South America, belonging to the family Capitonidae. The male displays a vivid scarlet-red head contrasting with a green back & yellow-orange breast, while the female has a blue & black patterned head. This species feeds primarily on fruit & insects, and is often heard before it is seen due to its repetitive, monotonous calls.
The Red-Headed Barbet inhabits humid montane forests & forest edges, typically at elevations between 600 & 2200 metres. It is commonly found in the Andean foothills & cloud forests of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador & Peru.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Red-Headed Barbet with us in Colombia.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours between dawn & 9am are ideal when the birds are most active & feeding. The dry season months from December to April generally offer clearer skies & better visibility in the forest understorey.
Position yourself near fruiting trees at forest edges where the barbet regularly forages, as this gives you a predictable subject & good light conditions. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500s to freeze any sudden movement, as this species can be restless between feeds. A focal length of 400mm or longer is recommended to maintain a respectful distance while still capturing the vivid plumage detail without disturbing the bird's natural behaviour.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Red-Headed Barbet
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.
