The yellow-throated tinkerbird is a species of bird in the Lybiidae family. Yellow-throated tinkerbirds located closer to the coast, as well as those in louder environments, have been found to make higher-pitched vocalizations.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Guineo-Congolian lowland rainforests from West Africa through the Congo Basin. It inhabits primary and secondary evergreen forest, forest edges, gallery forest, and wooded plantations and gardens where canopy cover persists. The species forages mainly in the midstory to canopy but also visits fruiting trees along edges and in disturbed habitats. It tolerates moderate habitat alteration provided tall trees remain available for feeding and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small African barbet of the family Lybiidae, the yellow-throated tinkerbird is best known for its rapid, metronomic “tink” call delivered for long periods from concealed perches. Individuals in coastal or noisy habitats tend to sing at higher pitch, likely to avoid acoustic masking. It nests in cavities it excavates in dead wood, with both sexes sharing nesting duties.
Temperament
active yet unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, remaining territorial during breeding. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in soft or dead wood and share incubation and chick-rearing. Nests are usually placed in small dead branches or stubs within forested habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, metronomic series of high-pitched 'tink' notes repeated for long stretches, often from a concealed perch. Birds near coasts or in louder environments give calls at higher pitch, likely to improve transmission in noisy soundscapes.
Plumage
Small, compact barbet with olive-green upperparts and a bright yellow throat set off against paler underparts that may show faint streaking on the flanks. The bill is short, thick, and dark, and the bird often looks clean-faced with a subtle pale eyebrow. Overall appearance is neat and olive-yellow without bold wing patterns.
Diet
Takes small fruits and berries, including figs and mistletoe, and supplements with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and other arthropods. Gleans prey from foliage and twigs and probes bark crevices with its stout bill. Frequently swallows small fruits whole and may wipe the bill after feeding.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of evergreen forest, at edges, and in secondary growth. Also visits fruiting trees in plantations and village areas when available.
