Habitat
Lower montane humid forest, using primary, secondary and heavily disturbed forest, and occasionally areas with a mosaic of forest, coffee plantations and pasture. From 400 - 2,000 m.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through clearing and use for livestock-farming, arable cultivation, narcotics plantations, infrastructure development, oil extraction and mining, is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A deep croak repeated frequently for long durations.
White-mantled Barbet (Capito hypoleucus) [XC353902]
by Ross Gallardy from Reinita Cielo Azul ProAves Reserve, Santander, Colombia (song)
White-mantled Barbet (Capito hypoleucus) [XC273405]
by Nick Athanas from RNA Reinita Cielo Azul, San Vicente de Chucur\u00ed, Santander, Colombia, 1900m, N, Colombia (call)
Subspecies
Appears to be rather isolated within genus. Probably related distantly to Orange-fronted Barbet (Capito squamatus), possibly more closely to newly discovered Scarlet-banded Barbet (Capito wallacei) and also to Black-girdled Barbet (Capito dayi) and Brown-chested Barbet (Capito brunneipectus). Subspecies differences rather slight.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
hypoleucus Salvin, 1897 - Central Andes of north-western Colombia (Bolivar to Antioquia).
carrikeri Graves, GR, 1986 - Botero area of R Porce, in Antioquia.
extinctus Graves, GR, 1986 - Magdalena Valley in Caldas, Cundinamarca and Tolima.
Similar Species
Scarlet-crowned Barbet (Capito aurovirens) which lacks pale bill, scarlet forecrown, and white rear crown and mantle.
References
See References.