The green tinkerbird is a species of bird in the African barbet family Lybiidae. It is found in East Africa.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly along the East African coastal belt and nearby lowlands, especially in Kenya and Tanzania. It favors evergreen and semi-evergreen coastal forests, forest edges, and dense coastal thickets, and also uses wooded plantations and mangrove margins. The species stays high in the canopy and can be local where suitable forest persists. It is generally absent from open savanna and very arid habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small East African barbet, the green tinkerbird is known for its rhythmic, metronomic tink-tink song delivered from high in the canopy. It nests in cavities it excavates in soft or dead wood, with both sexes participating. Primarily a fruit-eater, it is an important disperser of fig and other forest seeds. It is typically unobtrusive and more often heard than seen.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, defending small territories within forested habitat. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in dead or soft wood and raise a small clutch. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks loosely in the canopy while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A steady, metallic tink repeated in long series at a clocklike pace, often delivered for minutes from a concealed canopy perch. Calls include sharp ticks and soft contact notes between mates.
