Barbets - Noisy Excavators

Closely related to woodpeckers, barbets are colourful and vociferous birds. Many species adapt well to man's alteration of the environment and are popular garden visitors. As a family, they are thick-set birds with heavy bills set in a rather large head. In common with woodpeckers, barbets feet are zydactylic, with two toes facing forwards and two back. This configuration allows them to cling easily to trees so as to excavate their own breeding holes.

Across the Tropics

There are some 75 species of barbet in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of Africa, Asia and South America. Most inhabit forest habitats, but many African species have adapted to much more arid conditions. In size, barbets range from the minuscule 10cm tinker barbets, to the robust Asian species that measure more than 30cm.

Fruit First

All barbets feed primarily on fruit, with figs being especially favoured. A wide range of invertebrate prey is also taken, and young may be fed a diet of protein-rich insects. The little tinker barbets are particularly fond of mistletoe berries and serve as the primary distribution mechanism for these parasitic plants. Some of the larger barbets will tackle small reptiles and nestlings of smaller birds.

Hole Nesters

Barbets typically excavate a nesting burrow in the trunk or large branch of a tree. Dead limbs, with decomposing wood, are favoured since the barbets do not have the woodpecker's ability to drill into hard wood. Some members of the family excavate a breeding chamber into a termite mound, or into a sand bank. One species - the Acacia Pied Barbet - is known to take over the nests of other species, and may occupy one of the chambers in the huge communal nest built by Sociable Weavers. It is not known whether barbets pair for life, but mates do stick together for consecutive seasons. There is no elaborate courtship, although many species engage in duet calling. No nesting material is used to line the hollowed out chamber, with 2-5 white eggs being incubated by both parents. The Black-collared, Whyte's, White-eared and Red-and-yellow barbets have been recorded to engage in communal breeding, with 'nest-helpers' (normally from the previous brood) aiding in the provisioning of food and defence of the nest hole. The youngsters remain in the nest for about one month before emerging as well-developed juveniles. Many barbets are parasitised by certain honeyguides which lay their matching eggs among the barbet's clutch.

Monotonous Calls

Most barbets have monotonous calls and the aptly named tinker barbets have been known to drive people to desperation as they repeat their 'tink-tink-tink-tink' call endlessly on hot days. However, the duetting skills of Black-collared and Red-and-yellow Barbets are unrivalled in the bird world. The trilling call of the Crested Barbet has been likened to an alarm clock and has been known to serve the same purpose on many an early morning!

&Beyond's Barbet Hotspots

A variety of barbets can be observed around all &Beyond lodges (with the exception of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert). &Beyondafrica.com/reserve-1-id-2-1" target="_blank">Phinda is home to six species, and most other southern Africa lodges have a least four varieties. A stay at &Beyondafrica.com/reserve-1-id-2-11" target="_blank">Kichwa Tembo in the Masai Mara may provide views of eight species, including the large and gaudy Double-toothed Barbet and the attractive White-headed Barbet.

- Nature Works -

Posted: Birds by CC Africa, Date: 21 November 2006