Green Barbet

The Green Barbet, known scientifically as Cryptolybia olivacea, is a bird cloaked in a rather unassuming garb. Its plumage is a blend of ginger and olive, with a slightly more vibrant yellow adorning its wings. The underparts are a paler shade, providing a subtle contrast. In the nominate race, the head and chin are swathed in a dark brown hue, while the eyes can range from a dull red to a vivid orange. A black bill and blackish feet complete its modest attire. The juveniles, ever the more subdued, sport duller colors and brown eyes.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Green Barbet, look for its ginger-olive plumage, which is yellower on the wings and paler below. The dark brown head and chin, along with the black bill, are distinctive features. The eyes may catch your attention with their red to orange spectrum. Juveniles will appear less vibrant and have brown eyes, which can help differentiate them from adults.

Habitat

This species is a denizen of forests, where it can be found from the sea level to the lofty heights of 1,800 meters. It is within these verdant realms that the Green Barbet thrives.

Distribution

The Green Barbet graces the landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa with its presence. It is a bird that knows the bounds of its African home well.

Behaviour

In its daily pursuits, the Green Barbet is known to frequent fruiting branches within the subcanopy. Its social demeanor can vary from a solitary existence to forming congenial gatherings during both foraging and roosting. This sedentary bird does not partake in the grand avian migrations, preferring the familiarity of its forest abode. It has a particular fondness for the fruit of wild figs and chooses to nest in cavities within tree trunks during the midsummer season.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Green Barbet is simple yet distinctive. It often utters a repetitive "chock, chock…" or "chop, chop…", sometimes engaging in a duet that resonates through the forest air.

Breeding

Breeding for the Green Barbet occurs in the seclusion of tree trunk cavities, with the midsummer months being the time of choice for this intimate affair.

Similar Species

The Green Barbet's taxonomy is a subject of debate, with various races potentially being distinct species. The Woodward's Barbet, for instance, is a taxon that may be granted species status, characterized by yellow markings on the ear coverts and hind brow, contrasting with the dusky-headed populations.

Diet and Feeding

A diet rich in fruit, particularly the wild figs, sustains the Green Barbet. It is often seen indulging in these offerings on fruiting branches within the forest's subcanopy.

Conservation status

The Green Barbet is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its isolated populations are vulnerable to the threat of forest clearing, which could impact its future status.