Crested Barbet

Overview

The crested barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii) is a sub-Saharan bird belonging to the Lybiidae family. It is found commonly across central, eastern, and southern Africa, ranging from Angola to South Africa.

Identification

• Small bird with a very colourful, speckled plumage and a thick bill.
• Features a small black crest, a broad black band on the neck, and a yellow face with red speckles.
• Yellow body with red belly speckles and black wings marked with white specks.
• Produces a distinct trill that can continue for long periods.

Habitat

Found in forests, savannah, woodland thickets, watercourses, and even suburban gardens across a wide range of African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa. It tends to be paler in drier regions and richer in colour in wetter areas.

Diet

Feeds on insects, fruits, other birds' eggs, and occasionally mice. It forages by bouncing around on the ground to look for food.

Did you know?

These birds are aggressive towards other species and have been recorded attacking rats and killing snakes.