Lybius dubius (J.F.Gmelin, 1788)

Common Name and Length

Lybius dubius, commonly known as the bearded barbet, is a conspicuous, large barbet that reaches an overall length of 26 centimetres (10 in).

Body Shape

This species is fairly plump, with a short neck, large head, and a moderately short tail.

Adult Plumage (Upperparts and Breast Band)

Adult bearded barbets have black crowns, backs, tails, and breast bands.

Adult Plumage (Throat, Belly, Eye Patch, Rump)

Their throats and bellies are red, they have a yellow patch around the eye, and their rump is white.

Bill and Bristles

They have a very thick, massive yellow bill, and the well-developed cluster of bristles at the base of the bill gives the species its common name.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males and females have similar plumage.

Vocalization

The call of this species is a growling scrawk.

Distribution and Breeding Status

The bearded barbet is a common resident breeding bird found in tropical west Africa.

Habitat and Feeding Habits

It is an arboreal species that lives in wooded landscapes and gardens; it feeds primarily on fruit, although insect prey is fed to its young.

Preferred Habitat and Feeding Locations

It occurs in well-wooded areas with abundant fig trees, and it will enter gardens to feed on fruit.