Sladen's barbet is a species of bird in the Lybiidae family . It is found in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Region
Congo Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of the northern Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjacent Central African Republic. It favors primary and well-developed secondary forest, forest edges, and riparian corridors. The species often forages in the midstory to canopy, especially around fruiting trees. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and uses clearings and forest–savanna mosaics, provided suitable trees remain.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sladen's barbet is a central African barbet of the Congo Basin, often detected by its persistent, chattering calls before it is seen. Like many barbets, it excavates or uses soft, decayed wood for nesting cavities. It is an important seed disperser, frequently visiting fruiting trees and moving between forest edges and clearings.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that move together between fruiting trees. Nests are placed in cavities, often in decayed wood or soft snags, and partners may remain near the nest while calling. They sometimes join mixed-species foraging parties in the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a rapid series of chattering, rattling notes interspersed with short grating calls. Duetting is common, with pairs calling responsively for extended periods from exposed perches.
Plumage
Shaggy, bristled facial feathers with overall olive-brown to brownish plumage and paler, buffy streaking on the underparts. The throat is lighter and the body appears somewhat fluffy with a slightly scruffy look typical of Gymnobucco barbets.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits and berries, especially figs and other soft fruits. It supplements this with insects and other small arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. By swallowing fruits whole and defecating seeds away from the parent tree, it aids forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of lowland rainforest, along edges, and in secondary growth. Frequently visits fruiting trees in clearings and along rivers.
