Bearded Barbet
Lybius dubius
The Bearded Barbet is a distinctive, brightly colored African bird renowned for its heavy, thick bill surrounded by a prominent tuft of bristles, which gives it the appearance of having a beard. Endemic to the woodlands, savannas, and scrub forests of West and Central Africa, it sports a striking contrast of deep black upperparts, a bright red breast, and yellow patches on its wings. These robust birds are highly social and aggressively territorial, often gathering in noisy groups in fruiting fig trees where they feed heavily on fruits and insects. They nest in tree cavities, which they excavate themselves using their incredibly strong, specialized bills.
Bearded Barbet Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bearded Barbet
The name 'barbet' comes from the French word 'barbe', meaning beard, which refers to the prominent bristle feathers at the base of their bills.
They are primary cavity nesters, meaning they use their heavy, powerful bills to excavate their own nesting holes in dead or decaying tree trunks.
The Bearded Barbet is usually pairs or small groups.
The Bearded Barbet is typically diurnal.
The Bearded Barbet is resident.
The main threats facing the Bearded Barbet include Habitat loss and Removal of dead trees necessary for nesting.
The Bearded Barbet population trend is currently stable.
Well-known places to look for the Bearded Barbet include Mole National Park (Ghana) and Niokolo-Koba National Park (Senegal).
Natural predators of the Bearded Barbet include Birds of prey and Arboreal snakes.
A spectacular and highly sought-after sighting for birdwatchers traveling to West African savannas.
The Bearded Barbet is part of the Lybiidae family and a Piciformes order.
The Bearded Barbet weighs about 0.1 kg, stands around 26 cm tall, reaches about 26 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 35 cm.
The Bearded Barbet can reach speeds of around 30 km/h.
