South-eastern Nepal east to eastern Bangladesh and north-eastern India, southern China (Yunnan), Myanmar (except northern and east) and north-western Thailand south to northern Malay Peninsula. Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Yellow-eared Barbet (Psilopogon australis). Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Black-eared Barbet (Psilopogon duvaucelii).
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).