Bearded Barbet - Lybius dubius

Length 10.0 in (25.4 cm)
Weight 2.8-3.8 oz (80-108 g)
Clutch Size 2
Chicks at birth Altricial
IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern
Continents:AF
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The Bearded Barbet is one of 43 species of barbets and tinkerbirds in the Family Lybiidae. Bearded Barbets are found in western and central Africa.

Bearded Barbets are plump and have a short neck and tail and a large head. Their crown, back, tail and breast band are black. Their throat and belly are red and the rump is white. They skin around their eyes is yellow and featherless. The bill is also yellow and large and is surrounded by black bristles. Barbets get their name from the bristles that fringe their bills. Both sexes are similar in appearance.

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Diet: Bearded Barbets eat fruits, berries, buds, flowers, nectar, and insects. Young chicks are fed insects.

Courtship: Courtship include the offering of food, vocalizations, and nest log drilling.

Nesting: Barbets usually dig their nest holes in dead trees. They lay two white eggs.

Habitat and Range: Bearded Barbets are found in western and central Africa from Senegal and Gambia to Nigeria. They prefer dry, arid areas and trees such as Acacia, baobabs and figs.

Vocalization: The call is a growling scrawk.

Plumage/Molt: No alternate plumage

Migration: Non-migratory.

Tongue/feet: The toes on their feet have two forward and two backward (zygodactylous).

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