The white-faced barbet or black-backed barbet is a species of bird in the Lybiidae family. It is found in Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo. The habitat it is normally found in is riverine woodland and forest edges.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Gabon through the Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo to northern Angola and western Zambia. It favors riverine woodland, gallery forest, and forest edges, and will use secondary growth and wooded savanna near water. Birds often remain near fruiting trees and riparian corridors. It is a largely lowland species but can range into higher wooded plateaus where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the white-faced barbet, this African barbet is noted for its stark white face contrasting with a dark back. Pairs often advertise territories with rhythmic duets. It excavates nest cavities in dead or soft wood, typical of barbets. The species is generally tolerant of secondary habitats and forest edges.
Temperament
pairs or small family groups; fairly territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, often foraging quietly in the canopy or along forest edges. Pairs maintain territories and perform mutual preening and duet calling. Nests are excavated in soft or dead wood, with both sexes contributing to excavation and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, rhythmic series of hoots and churring notes, often delivered as a coordinated duet between mates. Calls carry well through riverine woodland and are used for territory advertisement.
Plumage
Compact barbet with a clean white face and throat contrasting with blackish upperparts and wings; underparts are whitish to buff. Feathers are dense and slightly glossy on the back, with a heavier, bristled base around the bill typical of barbets.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruit, especially figs and other soft, pulpy berries. Supplements diet with insects such as beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars, gleaned from foliage or bark. Occasionally takes seeds and small invertebrates when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy of riverine woodland, gallery forest, and at forest edges. Frequently visits fruiting trees and may descend to lower strata in secondary growth or around clearings.
