The black-billed barbet is a species of bird in the Lybiidae family.
Region
Horn of Africa and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Eritrea and Ethiopia south into parts of South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and adjacent regions. Favors wooded savanna, acacia scrub, edges of riverine forest, and cultivated landscapes with scattered trees. It is readily found around fruiting figs and other berry-bearing trees, including in villages and gardens. Tolerant of moderately disturbed habitats provided suitable trees remain for feeding and nesting.
Altitude Range
200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The black-billed barbet is a fruit-loving African barbet that often advertises its presence with loud, rhythmic duets. It excavates nest cavities in dead or decaying wood, where both parents share incubation and chick-rearing. By swallowing fruits whole and dispersing seeds, it plays a useful role in regenerating woodland and savanna habitats.
Lybius guifsobalito. Photomontage of Museum specimen
Lake Victoria - Kenya
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often perching conspicuously in the canopy. Pairs perform coordinated duets and defend small territories around nest sites. Nests are excavated cavities in dead branches or trunks, where both sexes incubate and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, rhythmic duets of repeated notes, often with one bird answering the other in a steady pace. Calls carry far and are given from exposed perches, especially in early morning.
Plumage
Glossy black body with vivid red on the face and throat, and slightly fluffy plumage around the head typical of barbets.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits such as figs, berries, and drupes, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating seeds. Supplements its diet with insects and other small invertebrates, especially when feeding chicks. Occasionally takes nectar or pecks at soft pulp in cultivated orchards.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of fruiting trees but also forages at forest edges and along riparian thickets. Readily visits gardens, farms, and village trees when fruit is available.
