The barbets were originally all included in the family Capitonidae, however the African Barbets are now included in the family Lybiidae with the Tinkerbirds and the Asian Barbets in the family Megalaimidae. The barbets are medium-sized, generally colourful, fruit-eating, hole-nesting near-passerines.

Family Lybiidae – African Barbets & Tinkerbirds

Family Megalaimidae – Asian Barbets

Family Capitonidae – New World Barbets