Lybius vieilloti (Leach, 1815)

Common Name and Length

Lybius vieilloti, commonly known as Vieillot's barbet, is a sparrow-sized barbet that measures 15 cm (5.9 in) in length.

Body Structure

It has a plump body, a short neck, a large head, and a short tail.

Adult Head and Breast Coloration

Adult individuals have a red head, with necks and breasts that show a mixture of red and white coloring.

Upperpart Coloration

Its upperparts are dark brown, with the exception of a yellow stripe running down the center of the back.

Underpart Coloration

The remaining sections of its underparts are yellowish, with dark spots on the flanks.

Bill Characteristics

This species has a thick, dark grey bill.

Sexual and Immature Plumage

Male and female Vieillot's barbets look similar to one another, while immature birds have duller overall plumage.

Geographic Range

Vieillot's barbet is a resident breeding species found in African scrubland along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, ranging from Senegal to Ethiopia.

Habitat

It is an arboreal species that occupies savannah and farmland habitats, and is frequently observed along wooded creeks in Zaria, Nigeria.

Breeding Season

Its breeding season occurs from April to July each year.

Diet

This bird feeds on insects and fruit, with figs being a particularly preferred food source.

Nesting and Clutch

It nests inside tree holes, and lays a clutch of three eggs.