The grey-throated barbet is a species of bird in the Lybiidae family . It is found in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the lowland rainforests of the Congo Basin to forested highlands reaching into western Kenya, northwestern Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan. It inhabits primary and secondary tropical forest, forest edges, riverine woodland, and overgrown clearings. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats and can be found in farmland with remnant trees and plantations near forest. Most activity is in the mid-story to canopy, where it forages and calls conspicuously.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Central and East African barbet is a noisy, social species that often travels in small parties through the mid to upper canopy. It excavates nest cavities in soft, decaying wood and sometimes nests colonially. Primarily a fruit-eater, it plays a role in seed dispersal but will also take insects, especially during breeding. Its duetting and group choruses can be a key clue to its presence in dense forest.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
short, bounding flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups that move methodically through the canopy. Both sexes typically participate in excavating nest holes in soft, decayed wood and may nest semi-colonially where suitable snags are abundant. They defend small territories around nest and feeding sites but often join loose mixed flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of loud, repeated chattering notes and rattling trills, often delivered in duets or group choruses. Calls carry far in forest and are given persistently while foraging.
