2013 Bonanza Bird #6

The Vibrant and Eye-Catching Plumage of Africa's Bearded Barbet

We're thrilled to continue our journey towards our 500th Birdorable species by introducing a new bird each day. Today, we're excited to showcase the Bearded Barbet, a remarkable and visually striking bird native to the western regions of Africa.

Birdorable Bearded Barbet

Known for their stocky build, these birds boast a bold and vibrant plumage. The combination of deep red and black feathers, complemented by a distinctive yellow eye patch, makes the Bearded Barbet an extraordinarily beautiful and eye-catching bird.

One of the most striking features of the Bearded Barbet, as its name suggests, is the pronounced bristles around its face. These bristles, or barbs, are a characteristic trait of the barbet family, which consists of 84 species spread across South America, Africa, and Asia. The word 'barbet' is believed to be derived from the word 'barb', possibly referring to these distinctive bristles that resemble 'feather shaft branches' or 'plant hairs'. Among all its relatives, the Bearded Barbet has the most pronounced bristles, making its name a fitting description of its appearance.

Bearded Barbet (Lybius dubius)
Bearded Barbet (Lybius dubius) by Leszek.Leszczynski

Bearded Barbets are known to have a relatively long lifespan, living up to 15 years. They are also known to breed well in captivity and are a common sight in zoos and aviaries around the world. This adaptability to captive environments has made them a favorite among bird enthusiasts and conservationists.

Tomorrow's new species is a bird of prey that belongs in the falcon family but sometimes acts more like a vulture! Check out the blog tomorrow to see what our newest bird is.

bonanza-2013-preview-7

Cute Bearded Barbet Gifts

Comments

Spurwing Plover on March 27, 2023 at 6:50 AM wrote:
Golden Eagle
Frances Reichl on June 15, 2023 at 4:44 PM wrote:
Can you give me a reference for the lifespan on this bird?

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Facts About Kites

Here are some interesting facts about kites: Kites belong in the Accipitridae* family of birds of prey. They are divided into two subfamilies. Elaninae kites are sometimes considered to be "hovering kites" and are generally smaller in size. Milvinae kites may...

Birdorable on Facebook

Did you know that Birdorable is on Facebook? You can follow us at facebook.com/birdorable to keep up-to-date about all things Birdorable. We post new birds, fun graphics, news stories, coupons and new products from our shop. So whether you're a birdwatcher, backyard birder, parrot pet owner...

T-Shirt Tuesday: Pair of Belted Kingfishers

If you live in North America and you love birds then you are probably familiar with the Belted Kingfisher, which can be found across the continent from coast to coast. This cute design features a pair of Birdorable Belted Kingfishers. Can you tell the difference between...

How the Gape of a Bird's Beak Influences Its Life

The gape of a bird's beak might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about our feathered friends, but it’s an incredibly important feature that plays a vital role in their survival. Let's delve into what the gape is, why it matters, and some...