Vieillot's Barbet vs White-headed Barbet

Vieillot's Barbet

Lybius vieilloti

Small36 gWoodland

This is a sparrow-sized barbet at 15 cm (5.9 in). It is a plump bird, with a short neck, large head and short tail. The adult has a red head, and the neck and breast are a mixture of red and white. The upperparts are dark brown apart from a yellow stripe down the back. The rest of the underparts are yellowish with dark flank spotting. The bill is thick and dark grey. Sexes are similar, but immature birds are duller. Voice: This species of African barbet is known to duet year-round, unlike other species that only duet during breeding season. The L. vieilloti has been reported to "yodel", which is a succession of two flute-like notes which are uttered by two birds sitting on a bough as they bow ceremoniously to each other. This yodel is immediately answered by the other bird of the pair with the sound "poop-poop".

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Christoph Moning · CC BY 4.0

White-headed Barbet

Lybius leucocephalus

Medium63 gWoodland

This species is one of the largest in this genus at 18–19.5 cm (7.1–7.7 in) in length. It is a black and white type of barbet that has a stubby neck and a heavy-toothed bill. It is found in open woodland areas that are close to water and cultivation. It utilizes fig and jacaranda trees to find food and to excavate nests. These birds are also very social and live in small groups.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Anne Ndung'u · Song · Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: avocat · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Vieillot's Barbet and White-headed Barbet.