American barbets, family Capitonidae, are near passerine birds of the order Piciformes which inhabit humid forests in Central and South America. They are closely related to the toucans. The American barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly coloured and live in tropical forest. American barbets are mostly arboreal birds which nest in tree holes dug by breeding pairs, laying 2–4 eggs. They eat fruit and insects. These birds do not migrate.