the Barbet, in ornithology, a genus belonging to the order of picae. The beak is cultrated, turned inwards, compressed on the sides, and emarginated on each side at the apex; and there is a long slit below the eyes. The nostrils are covered with feathers. The feet have four toes, two before and two behind. Linnæus mentions only one species, the capensis; but ornithologists enumerate several, either as such or as individuals, differing only in age or sex, all found in Asia, Africa, or the southern parts of America.