Barbets are usually birds of the inner forest. They are mainly solitary birds, eating insects and fruit. Figs are the most important fruit taken by Barbets. Large fig trees will attract several species of barbet. In addition to figs numerous other species of fruiting tree and bush are visited, an individual barbet may feed on as many as 60 different species in its range. They will also visit plantations and take cultivated fruit and vegetables. Fruit is eaten whole and indigestible material such as seed pits regurgitated later. Barbets are thought to be important agents in seed dispersal in tropical forests.
