The black-collared barbet is a medium-sized bird that is somewhat chunky in appearance. It is known for its vivid red face that makes its face stand out. This species, scientifically known as Lybius torquatus, measures between 20 and 25 cm in length and has a heavy bill fringed with bristles. The bill is surrounded by a collar of black, which makes this bird more intensely colored than other barbets. Interestingly, this is a sexually monomorphic species, which means the males and females have almost no phenotypic differences.
The black-collared barbet is distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa and is found in mostly well-wooded habitats, especially riparian forests where there is plenty of fruit. They have been known to go to plantations to find their food. This species is mostly solitary and feeds on a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, which they eat whole. They have also been seen dining on insects, centipedes, frogs, geckos, and lizards.
The breeding season for the black-collared barbet is between December and February. During this time, lucky people get to hear their “too-poudle†song, which is actually an antiphonal duet. After the breeding season, 45 to 55 mm holes are excavated in dead tree trunks.
It is interesting to note that there is a rare member of this species known as the yellow-headed (or xanthocroic) form. However, most black-collared barbets have a red face.
This bird is considered as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a fascinating creature with unique characteristics and behaviors. If you want to hear this bird’s unique call, you can listen to it in the video below.
“Black-collared Barbet, Lybius torquatus†by Derek Keats is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“Barbet Black-collared 2011 10 22 12 24 19 4658†by Alandmanson is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus)†by berniedup is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
“Black-collared barbet (Lybius torquatus)†by flowcomm is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Photo courtesy of Margaret Elworthy Coombes = Ray Coombes – Own work/CC BY-SA 4.0
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