The double-toothed barbet is a species of bird in the family Lybiidae. It is found in Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda. Within Lybius bidentatus, there are two subspecies: Lybius bidentatus bidentatus and Lybius bidentatus aequatorialis.
Region
Central and West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from West Africa through the Congo Basin to western East Africa. It inhabits lowland rainforest, gallery forest, riverine woodland, secondary growth, and forest edges, and readily visits fruiting trees in farms and gardens. The species tolerates disturbed habitats provided large trees or snags remain for nesting. It is typically most common near clearings and along forest margins where fruiting figs are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named for the small notches near the tip of its hefty bill, the double-toothed barbet uses that tool to crack fruit and seize insects. It often forages in pairs or small family groups and performs loud duets. Like other barbets, it excavates its own nest cavity in decayed wood, which also benefits other cavity users later.
Photographed at Entebbe, Uganda
Illustration by Keulemans, 1891
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between trees
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups maintaining territories year-round. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in decaying trunks or large branches and share incubation and feeding duties. They may roost communally in cavities and show cooperative defense around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, resonant duet of hollow hoots and grating notes, often antiphonal between mates. Additional calls include clucks, rattles, and growling phrases given from exposed perches near the canopy.
