Bearded Barbet

The Bearded Barbet is a striking bird with a distinctive red face, throat, and upper breast contrasting sharply with its black body. Its large, pale grey bill is fringed by stiff bristles, giving it a 'bearded' appearance. The wings feature yellow spots, while the vent area is white.

Both males and females share this vibrant coloration, making them indistinguishable in the field. Juveniles have a duller plumage, gradually acquiring adult colors as they mature.

• Look for them perched prominently on treetops in open woodlands
• Listen for their distinctive, repetitive 'poo-poo-poo' call
• Observe fruiting trees, where they often feed in small groups
• Check dead trees for nesting cavities, which they frequently excavate

Breeding season for Bearded Barbets typically coincides with the onset of the rainy season, varying across their range. Pairs form strong bonds and often remain together year-round.

Nests are excavated in dead trees or branches, with both partners contributing to the construction. The cavity is usually 20-30 cm deep, with a circular entrance about 5 cm in diameter.

Females lay 2-4 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 13-15 days. Chicks fledge after approximately 27-30 days, and their parents continue to feed them for several weeks after they leave the nest.

Bearded Barbets are often seen perched conspicuously at the top of trees, scanning for fruit or insects. They are social birds, frequently found in small groups or pairs. Their strong bills are used for feeding and excavating nesting cavities in dead trees, showcasing their carpentry skills.