Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Green Barbet

Stactolaema olivacea

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.

Green Barbet Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Green Barbets on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More African Barbets

A photo of a Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus)

Black-collared Barbet

Lybius torquatus
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.