Chaplin's barbet or the Zambian barbet, is a bird species in the family Lybiidae, which was until recently united with the other barbets in the Capitonidae. This bird was named in honor of Sir Francis Drummond Percy Chaplin, a former colonial governor. The species was renamed to emphasize its status as Zambia's only true endemic bird species. It is endemic to South Central Zambia and is restricted to the area between the Upper Kafue River to Kabanga in the Kalomo District. Its natural habitats are moist savanna and arable land. It is threatened by habitat loss. It was formerly classified as a Near Threatened species by the IUCN. But new research has shown it to be rarer than it was believed. Consequently, it is uplisted to Vulnerable status in 2008.
Region
South-central Zambia
Typical Environment
Occurs in a restricted belt of moist to semi-arid savanna and open woodland interspersed with farmland. It favors riparian strips and scattered trees in agricultural mosaics, especially where large fig trees persist. Thickets and edges of miombo or mopane woodlands are used when fruiting trees are available. It avoids dense closed forest and treeless cropland, tracking seasonal fruit resources across its small range.
Altitude Range
900–1400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Zambian barbet, it is Zambia’s only true endemic bird species. It relies heavily on large, fruiting fig trees for food and nesting cavities. Pairs perform loud antiphonal duets that carry across savanna habitats. Habitat loss and removal of mature figs are its chief threats.
Temperament
territorial in pairs or small family groups
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, often family parties. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead limbs or soft-wooded trees, frequently figs, and both sexes share incubation and feeding. Breeding typically coincides with the onset of rains when fruit is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, rhythmic duets delivered antiphonally by the pair, sounding like repeated hooting or croaking phrases. Calls are far-carrying and used to advertise territory and maintain pair bonds.
