Crested barbet

The crested barbet is a sub-Saharan bird in the Lybiidae family. Its specific name commemorates François Levaillant, a famed French naturalist.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Africa

Typical Environment

Found widely across woodland, savanna, and suburban gardens from northern South Africa through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia (northeast), Mozambique, and into southern Zambia and Malawi. It favors areas with scattered trees, riparian thickets, and edges of broadleaf woodland. Crested barbets adapt well to human-modified landscapes where old trees and fruiting plants remain. They avoid the most arid deserts and dense, closed-canopy forests but use clearings and ecotones. Nest sites are typically in dead limbs, stumps, or posts with soft wood that can be excavated.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size22–25 cm

Wing Span34–40 cm

Male Weight0.085 kg

Female Weight0.075 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The crested barbet is a sub-Saharan barbet known for its bold, confetti-like plumage and shaggy crest. Its specific name commemorates François Levaillant, a famed French naturalist. It excavates its own nest cavities in soft, dead wood and will vigorously defend territories, even against much larger birds. In many parts of southern Africa it readily visits gardens, especially where fruiting trees are present.

Gallery

At Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Behaviour

Temperament

territorial and vocal

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs that maintain and defend year-round territories. Pairs excavate nest holes in soft or decayed wood and line them sparsely; both parents incubate and feed young. They may raise more than one brood in a good season and will aggressively chase intruders near the nest.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, sustained, mechanical-sounding trill that can continue for long periods, often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls carry far and are used for territory advertisement and pair contact.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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