Hairy-breasted Barbet

Overview

The hairy-breasted barbet (Tricholaema hirsuta) is a species of bird in the family Lybiidae, found throughout the African tropical rainforest. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population trend.

Identification

• Length of 17–18 cm and weight of 43–63 g.
• Male features a blue-black head with a white superciliary line and malar stripe, black upperparts with yellow spots on the back and rump, and yellow breast and flanks with black markings.
• Female displays more golden yellow dorsal markings and underparts, while immature birds have laxer plumage with paler, sparser upperpart spots.
• Song consists of repeated oork or oop notes, accompanied by the bird spreading feathers, puffing its throat, and rotating its head side to side.

Habitat

Found in lowland primary forests and older secondary forests across various African countries including Angola, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, at elevations up to 1,800 m. Its range is estimated at 6,840,000 km².

Diet

Feeds singly or in pairs on fruits such as drupes and berries, as well as insects including beetles and caterpillars. It has been observed removing wings and legs from insects by bashing them on branches and occasionally joins mixed-species foraging flocks.

Did you know?

While singing, the bird spreads out some of its feathers, puffs its throat, and rotates its head from side to side. In flight displays, it swoops downwards and glides without moving its wings.