Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii)

With its thick bill and very colourful plumage, the Crested Barbet is a distinctive and unmistakable bird.  It has a large range across most of southeastern Africa.

(Crested Barbet at Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa)

It frequents gardens and parks, plantations, woodlands, riverine bushveld, tree savannahs and watercourses. It is usually seen at altitudes of 200 to 1800 metres.  They are sedentary in range and only perform short dispersions along watercourses in dry regions.

They are often seen alone or in pairs, hopping on the ground, warily foraging for food or probing bark crevices and lichen on trees.  They will frequent urban bird feeders.  Their flight is ungainly and they are only capable of flying short distances.  They are territorial and will chase off nest competitors, such as honeyguides and doves, and other birds entering into their territory.

The scientific species name for the Crested Barbet is derived from the surname of the French naturalist, François Levaillant and this bird is sometimes referred to as Levaillant’s Barbet. 

Despite its gaudy appearance, the Crested Barbet is usually very well camouflaged in its natural environment.