This bird is appropriately called “fruit salad” because of the abundance of gorgeous flecks that coat it in varied colours.
Introducing the unusual bird species known as the Crested Barbet, which has a distinct personality and look. With its distinct feathered crest on top of its head and brilliant hues, this feathery companion is a treat to watch and observe. Prepare to be amazed by its mischievous antics as it jumps from branch to branch looking for fruit and insects to eat. The Crested Barbet can capture your interest whether you’re a serious bird watcher or just seeking for some backyard fun. So grab a pair of binoculars and get ready to learn more about this captivating bird’s delights.
This species’ female is slightly less colorful than the male despite having a comparable look. Both of them have a short beak and olive-green coloured exposed skin around their eyes. Additionally, they have greenish-grey colored legs and feet. The CC BY-SA 2.0 license was graciously supplied by Andrew Frier for use in this image.
The north-eastern part of South Africa is where the Crested Barbet is most regularly seen, but it is not the only place. Other African nations including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and northern Namibia can also view it. It’s a beautiful bird to look at, so keep an eye out for it!
These magnificent birds enjoy relaxing in parks, gardens, tropical gardens, wooded regions, riverbank forests, as well as savannas with a lot of trees, and waterways. At elevations between 200 and 1800 meters above sea level, they are frequently seen.
The Crested Barbet enjoys eating a wide range of items, including fruit, worms, snails, insects, and even the eggs left by other birds. The image provided by Derek Keats, which was taken under CC BY 2.0, shows this bird.
These birds have a preference for nesting in Sisal logs (Agave sisalan), particularly during their breeding season which spans from September to December. The construction of the nest is a joint effort between the male and female, and features a tunnel-like entrance that leads into a spacious nesting chamber. The female takes on the task of incubating one to five eggs for roughly 13 to 17 days, while both parents share the responsibility of feeding the young. It takes approximately a month for the chicks to mature enough to leave the nest, and up to five broods can be raised in a single season. Photo credit goes to Åsa Berndtsson under CC BY 2.0 license.
The IUCN does not consider this species to be in danger of becoming vulnerable based on its stable population and wide geographical distribution. This information has been provided by Nick Jonsson, who is the owner of the photograph.
Take a look and a listen to this bird in the video below, as captured by Axel Bührmann and shared under the CC BY 2.0 license.