Red and Yellow Barbet

Trachyphonus erythrocephalus

Range

• Eastern Africa

Habitat

• Savannah & scrub

Diet

• Fruit
• Seeds
• Insects

Related to our native woodpeckers, this colorful barbet is found in the semi-arid brush country of eastern Africa where they tunnel their nests into tall termite mounds or stream banks.

Two or four eggs are usually laid and both parents share in the incubation and chick-rearing. When not nesting, they are usually seen in pairs or small groups. Males can be distinguished by the black stripe down the center of their throat.