The brown-breasted barbet is a species of bird in the family Lybiidae. It is found in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, and Tanzania.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Somalia through coastal and eastern Kenya and Tanzania to northern Mozambique, with localized populations extending into Malawi. It favors coastal and lowland woodlands, riverine forest, thickets, and wooded savanna with large fruiting trees such as figs and baobabs. The species also visits orchards, plantations, and well-treed gardens near settlements. It is typically absent from dense interior rainforest and very open treeless habitats.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brown-breasted barbet is an East African barbet that often forages in pairs or small groups and is frequently detected by its loud, repetitive duets. Like other barbets, it excavates its own nest cavity in dead wood. It plays an important role as a seed disperser by consuming a wide variety of fruits, especially figs.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, undulating flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that maintain territories year-round. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in dead branches or soft wood and share incubation duties. Pairs engage in mutual preening and conspicuous duetting that reinforces pair bonds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, rhythmic series of hoots and grating notes, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Duets carry far through woodland and are given from prominent perches, especially at dawn and late afternoon.
