The bearded barbet is an African barbet. Barbets are birds with a worldwide tropical distribution, although New World and Old World barbets are placed in different families. The barbets get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Senegal and The Gambia east through Guinea, Sierra Leone, and into southern Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. It favors open woodland, riparian gallery forest, wooded savanna, and farmland with scattered large fruiting trees, especially figs. Frequently seen in towns and villages where mature trees are present. Tends to avoid dense closed-canopy rainforest and very arid treeless zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The bearded barbet is a striking West African barbet named for the tuft of black bristles fringing its heavy bill. It feeds largely on figs and other soft fruits, helping disperse seeds across savanna and woodland edges. Pairs often duet with loud, resonant calls and nest in tree cavities they excavate themselves. They readily visit fruiting trees in villages and gardens.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often perching conspicuously on high branches. Both sexes excavate and use tree cavities for nesting, and they share incubation and chick-rearing. Territorial displays include synchronized movements and vocal duets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, resonant, hollow notes given in rhythmic sequences, often as antiphonal duets between pair members. Calls carry far across open habitats and include croaks and repeated 'hoo' phrases.
Plumage
Bold, contrasting plumage with glossy black upperparts and wings, bright crimson head, throat, and underparts, and a broad black band across the lower breast. Shows white patches on the flanks and at the base of the wing. Bill is thick, pale to yellowish, and heavily fringed with black bristles that form the 'beard.'
Diet
Primarily eats figs and other soft, sugary fruits, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating seeds, which aids seed dispersal. Supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates, especially during breeding. Will take cultivated fruits where available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of fruiting trees, along forest edges, in savanna parkland, and in agroforestry landscapes. Frequently visits village trees and gardens with reliable fruit sources.
