Lemon-throated Barbet

The lemon-throated barbet (Eubucco richardsoni) is a species of bird in the New World barbet family Capitonidae. The species is closely related to the flame-throated barbet (Eubucco aurantiicollis), and several authorities consider them the same species. These two species are the only in their genus to live in the lowlands. There are two subspecies, the nominate race, E. r. richardsoni, found in central and southern Columbia, eastern Ecuador and northern Peru, and E. r. nigriceps (Chapman, 1928), found in north-east Peru and the extreme north west of Brazil. The species is found in tropical rain forest and lower montane forest, from sea level to 1,375 m (4,511 ft), but is more lower down. It is found in disturbed and secondary forest, and is more common in such environments than undisturbed mature forest. The lemon-throated barbet measures 15.5 cm (6.1 in) in length and weighs 24.5 to 34 g (0.86–1.20 oz). The male of the nominate subspecies has a red crown, gey-blue nape, green upperparts, orange-red breast and lemon throat. The female is duller, with a grey-green crown and nape, white throat and orange-gold breast. The male of the subspecies E. r. nigriceps has a black face and crown. The feeding behaviour of this species has not been studied, but is assumed to be the same as the flame-throated barbet, which is a specialist in feeding in dead leaves. Lemon-throated barbets have been observed feeding from the canopy of the forest to within 5 m (16 ft) of the forest floor, but more commonly between 12 to 24 m (39–79 ft).