The Crested Barbet

The Crested Barbet’s distinct sustained trilling ‘trrrrrrrr ... ‘, much like a muted alarm clock, is well known to residents of our village.

The Crested Barbet

With its chunky bill and colourful plumage, the ubiquitous Crested Barbet is unmistakeable. It is a small bird, has an orange face, erectile shaggy crest, and yellow underparts, with a broad black breast band. It is the largest barbet of the region.

The Crested Barbet feeds on insects, other birds’ eggs and fruit.

They are found singly or in pairs and like to hop around on the ground looking for food. They do not fly easily and then only for short distances.

They nest in a hole in a tree, and are monogamous and territorial during breeding. 1 to 5 eggs are laid at daily intervals between September to December. Incubation lasts between 13 to 17 days, beginning with the second or third egg. The young hatch naked and blind. They are fed insects by both parents. Faecal material is removed regularly. They fledge after about 31 days. Up to five broods have been recorded in a breeding season.

Crested Barbets are aggressive towards other birds in their territory and chase off nest competitors such as other barbets, pigeons and thrushes. They are known to have attacked and killed rats and snakes.

Sources
Siyabona Africa (click HERE to access website).
Field guide to the birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair