The moustached tinkerbird is a species of bird in the large Piciformes order in the Lybiidae family.
Region
East and Central African highlands
Typical Environment
Found in montane and submontane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth across parts of the Albertine Rift and East African highlands. It also uses wooded farmland, gardens, and coffee or tea plantations with scattered trees. The species is most often encountered along edges and clearings where fruiting shrubs and small trees are common. It tolerates some habitat modification but relies on areas with suitable trees for nesting.
Altitude Range
800–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small African barbet, the moustached tinkerbird belongs to the Lybiidae family and is noted for its steady, metronomic 'tink' call that carries through forest edges. The species takes its name from the bold white moustachial stripe on its dark head. It excavates nest cavities in dead wood or soft branches and often frequents secondary growth, forest edges, and plantations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories that are defended with persistent vocalizations. Pairs excavate nest cavities in dead wood or soft branches and line them sparsely. They may join mixed-species foraging flocks along forest edges but remain relatively inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, metronomic 'tink…tink…tink' delivered at steady intervals, often for long periods. Calls carry well at forest edge and can be the first clue to its presence.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with paler underparts showing fine streaking; dark head with bold pale facial lines. Feathers are compact and smooth, giving a neat, tidy appearance typical of tinkerbirds.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, including figs and mistletoe, which it plucks deliberately. Supplements diet with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. Occasionally takes seeds and small invertebrates when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in secondary growth, and in fruiting shrubs and small trees. Often forages from the mid-story to canopy, sometimes descending to lower tangles or gardens with fruiting plants.
