Bearded Barbet

ANIMAL:
Bearded Barbet Lybius dubius

Type of Animal:
Barbet

Habitat:
Savanna, wooded grassland, thickets, woodland, forest edge

Location(s):
W. & C. Africa

Appearance:
Prominent grooved bill w/ ‘teeth’ & prominent bristles under beak, red breast w/ black feather band separating upper/lower breast. Sexes look very similar, except female has black spots on white flank patch.

Food/Diet:
Fruit, insects, berries

Status in Wild:
Stable

Conservation:
Breeding in zoos & aviculture

Lifestyle:
Found in small parties of 2-6 birds 

Additional Info:

Called:
Male-Cock
Female-Hen
Young-Chick
Group-Party

Weight:
2.72-3.68 oz

Gestation:
15-20 days

Height:
9.84 in

Body Length:
9.84 in

Life Span:
10 years

Tail Length:
3.6 in

Main predators are leopards, snakes, monkeys, raptors, lions, chimps, pigs, dogs, caracals, cats, & crocodiles.

Nests usually made in tree cavities.

Closest relatives are toucans.

2nd largest African barbet species.

Courtship includes food offerings & vocalizations.

Chicks fledge after 40 days.

Somewhat shy but rather friendly birds.

Their call is a growling scrawk.

They’re rather noisy birds.

Play important role as seed dispersers.

Often use tail feathers as prop when feeding & climbing.

Fun Fact(s):
Somewhat common in bird trade.

Sometimes persecuted as crop pests.