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Red-and-yellow Barbet

Trachyphonus erythrocephalus

Least Concern
A flamboyant character of African savannahs, this chunky barbet turns heads with its punk-rocker red crest and bright yellow belly as it hops between acacia trees searching for fruit.
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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

The Red-and-yellow Barbet can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Red-and-yellow Barbet is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Red-and-yellow Barbet can be found in Savanna habitats.

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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Ethiopia Kenya Somalia South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Uganda

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

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 65

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 80

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 45

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 70

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

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but generally common throughout its range [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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:

Lybiidae

Average 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?

  1. Red-and-yellow Barbets sometimes nest in active termite mounds, using the insects' defences as protection for their eggs and chicks.
  2. These birds play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain the diversity of their woodland habitats.
  3. Their strong, chisel-like bills allow them to excavate nest cavities in wood that is too hard for many other bird species.

References

  1. 1 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Trachyphonus erythrocephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22681889A263599187.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 2002: del Hoyo et al.

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