Red-and-yellow Barbet
Trachyphonus erythrocephalus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Red-and-yellow Barbet is a striking bird with a vibrant red head and neck, contrasting with its bright yellow underparts. Its back is mottled black and white, creating a distinctive pattern. Their long, pointed bill is orange or red and is well-suited for its feeding habits.
Males have a black cap and throat, with females showing red-yellow on the crown instead. Juveniles have duller colouration, with less pronounced red on the head and neck, as well as more yellow and brown colouring.
Size
Length
20cm to 23cm
Wingspan
30cm to 35cm
Weight
40g to 75g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Red Yellow
Secondary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Orange Red
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
The Red-and-yellow Barbet is native to East Africa, found in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. It inhabits dry savannahs, open woodlands, and bush country, preferring areas with scattered trees and thorny scrub.
This species is non-migratory, maintaining a year-round presence in its range. It adapts well to modified habitats, including gardens and farmlands with suitable tree cover.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,320 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-and-yellow Barbet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Demonstrates impressive agility through acrobatic feeding behaviours, including hanging upside down to reach food. Their ability to manoeuvre effectively whilst foraging and their skilled aerial movements whilst catching flying termites showcase their nimble nature.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Possesses considerable strength for its size, evidenced by its ability to excavate nest cavities in hard wood and termite mounds. The stout bill and capability to drum on branches for communication indicates robust physical power.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species that thrives in various habitats from savannas to modified environments like gardens and farmlands. Successfully maintains populations across different elevations up to 2,320 metres and adapts well to varying food sources.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst territorial and capable of defending nesting sites, these birds are generally social and peaceful, often seen in small groups. Their defensive behaviours are primarily focused on protecting nests rather than showing outward aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Shows good endurance through sustained breeding efforts (31-day nesting period), regular drumming activities, and active foraging behaviours. Their non-migratory nature and ability to maintain year-round territories in warm climates demonstrates solid stamina.
Diet
Red-and-yellow Barbets have a varied diet consisting of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are particularly fond of figs and other soft fruits.
These birds use their strong bills to probe bark for insects and have been observed catching flying termites during their nuptial flights.
Behaviour
Red-and-yellow Barbets are social birds, often seen in small groups or pairs. They have a unique habit of drumming on tree branches with their beaks, creating a resonant sound that serves as a form of communication.
These birds are also known for their acrobatic feeding behaviour, often hanging upside down to reach fruits and insects.
Vocalisation
The Red-and-yellow Barbet has a distinctive call described as a loud, repetitive 'poo-poo-poo' or 'woop-woop-woop'. This vocalisation is often heard in duets between pairs.
Their drumming on branches produces a resonant 'tok-tok-tok' sound, which serves as both a territorial signal and a form of communication.
Nesting & Breeding
Red-and-yellow Barbets form monogamous pairs and breed during the rainy season, which varies across their range. They are cavity nesters, often excavating their nests in dead trees or termite mounds.
The female typically lays 2-6 white eggs in the nest cavity. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 13-15 days.
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for approximately 31 days before fledging. Parents continue to feed and care for the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Red-and-yellow Barbet is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and deforestation poses a potential threat.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving its savanna and woodland habitats across its range in East Africa.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for these birds in open woodlands and savannahs with scattered trees.
- Listen for their distinctive drumming sound on branches.
- Observe fruiting trees, where they often feed in small groups.
- Watch for their acrobatic movements as they forage for insects and fruits.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Family:
LybiidaeAverage Lifespan
3 years
Predators
Main predators of the Red-and-yellow Barbet include birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, as well as snakes that can access their nest cavities.
Did You Know?
- Red-and-yellow Barbets sometimes nest in active termite mounds, using the insects' defences as protection for their eggs and chicks.
- These birds play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain the diversity of their woodland habitats.
- Their strong, chisel-like bills allow them to excavate nest cavities in wood that is too hard for many other bird species.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Trachyphonus erythrocephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22681889A263599187.
View source - 2
report, 2002: del Hoyo et al.
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