A zoological aviary housing multiple species had a history of Syngamus trachea infections in golden-breasted starlings (Cosmopsarus regius) during successive spring seasons. Subsequently, 2 red-and-yellow barbets (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) housed in the aviary died at separate times after presenting with respiratory distress. Syngamus trachea worms were found in the trachea of each bird at necropsy. This is the first report of death related to S trachea infection in a species of the order Piciformes.