Anchieta's barbet is a species of bird in the Lybiidae family.
Region
South-central Africa
Typical Environment
This species inhabits dry to moist woodland mosaics, especially miombo and other Brachystegia-dominated woodlands, as well as riparian and forest-edge habitats. It favors areas with abundant fruiting trees and scattered deadwood for cavity excavation. Birds are most often encountered in the middle to upper canopy but will descend to lower strata when feeding. It tolerates lightly disturbed secondary woodland but is less frequent in heavily fragmented habitats.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Anchieta's barbet is a medium-sized African barbet of the family Lybiidae, named in honor of the Portuguese naturalist José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta. It is primarily a fruit-eater and plays an important role in seed dispersal in woodland ecosystems. The species nests in cavities it excavates in dead or soft wood, with both sexes participating in nesting duties.
Illustration by Keulemans
Temperament
quiet, canopy-dwelling and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short undulating flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. It nests in cavities excavated in soft or dead wood; both sexes contribute to excavation, incubation, and feeding of the young. Breeding often follows seasonal rains when fruit is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of resonant hoots and bubbling trills typical of barbets. Pairs may duet, with calls carrying through woodland during early morning and late afternoon.
