[3] They include: If P. c. extoni is restricted to the southernmost population occurring in southeastern Botswana, northern South Africa and Eswatini, the following two subspecies are also recognized:[3] The yellow-fronted tinkerbird is a widespread and frequently common resident breeder in much of Africa south of the Sahara Desert.

It is found in riparian vegetation but occurs only sparsely in dry savanna and teak woodlands.

Both sexes are similar in appearance, but young birds have a differentiating dark crown that lacks the distinct yellow spot.

A clutch of 2 to 3 matt white eggs is laid on a base of wood chips at the bottom of the nesting chamber.

Many barbets perch prominently, but, unlike their larger relatives, the smaller tinkerbirds sing from cover and are more frequently heard than seen.