Black Spotted Barbet

Scientific Name: Capito niger   General Information The Black-spotted Barbet is a monotypic bird of South America, meaning no subspecies.  Previously the Gilded Barbet was classified as its subspecies.  It is usually found in pairs or small flocks. It has a range in a contiguous region that is centered on the Guiana Highlands and the northeast Amazon.   Physical Description The Black-spotted Barbet averages 7.5 inches in length and weighs about 48 – 58g.  It has a stout bill and is usually black and yellow in color.  The female is more heavily marked in black on the underbelly.   Diet This bird feeds on nectars and fruits as well as insects and spiders. In captivity: Paradise Earth Premium Softbill Blend, Dried Insects, fruit and nectar.   Habitat The Black-spotted Barbet spends much time in the mid to canopy-high range of trees.  It occurs in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests as well as subtropical and tropical swamps.  It also inhabits heavily degraded former forests, a