The Red-rumped Tinkerbird is a small bird species in the Lybiidae family. It is widely distributed across the tropical rainforests of mid-western Africa. This species is monotypic, with no recognized subspecies. Measuring approximately 12–13 cm in length and weighing 14–21.5 g, the Red-rumped Tinkerbird is noted for its distinct coloration—a yellow chest, black head and back, and red lower back or rump that gives the species its name. The wings are black with yellow-tipped feathers, and younger birds tend to display duller plumage with a yellowish bill.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through the Guineo-Congolian forest belt, favoring lowland and foothill evergreen and semi-deciduous forests. Common at forest edges, in secondary growth, and in cocoa or coffee plantations with scattered trees. Often seen in the mid-canopy where fruiting trees are present, but also visits gardens and wooded savannas adjacent to forest. Frequently detected by voice rather than sight due to its unobtrusive behavior.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Red-rumped Tinkerbird is a tiny African barbet whose rapid, metronomic “tink-tink-tink” carries far through forest edges and gardens. It is considered monotypic, with no recognized subspecies. Like other tinkerbirds, it excavates its own nest cavity in soft wood and helps disperse seeds of the small fruits it eats, including mistletoes. Juveniles show duller plumage and a paler, yellowish bill.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs defend small territories and communicate with persistent tink calls. Both sexes excavate a nesting cavity in soft or decaying wood and tend a small clutch together.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, metallic “tink-tink-tink…” delivered at an even tempo, often for long periods from a concealed perch. Calls can carry over long distances in forest edge habitats and are the best cue to its presence.
Plumage
Compact barbet with a black head and back, bright yellow throat and chest, and a distinctive red lower back/rump. Wings are black with yellow edging on the tips; underparts are mostly yellow with subtle dusky mottling. Juveniles are duller overall with more olive tones and a yellowish bill.
Diet
Consumes small fruits and berries (including figs and mistletoes) and supplements with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods. Forages deliberately among foliage and on fruiting branches, sometimes hovering briefly to pick items. Occasional gleaning from bark and twigs for hidden invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper levels of forest edges, secondary woodlands, and plantations with fruiting trees. Also visits isolated fruiting shrubs in gardens and along roadsides near forest.
