Birds
Red-and-yellow Barbet
Trachyphonus erythrocephalus · also called red-and-yellow barbets
Excavating a nest cavity directly into an active termite mound, a red-and-yellow barbet combines one of the boldest colour schemes in the entire barbet family with a nesting strategy few other birds would dare attempt.
Overview
The red-and-yellow barbet, Trachyphonus erythrocephalus, is a vividly coloured bird native to grassland and forest-edge habitat across East Africa. Its striking red, yellow, and black plumage, unusual habit of nesting inside active termite mounds, and loud, chattering social calls make it one of the most visually and behaviourally distinctive members of the entire barbet family found anywhere in Africa.
A nest built inside a living structure
Choosing an active termite mound as a nest site gives the red-and-yellow barbet a level of structural protection few other cavity-nesting birds ever attempt, a bold strategy matched by its equally bold colouring.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable grassland and forest-edge habitat throughout East Africa.
Red-and-yellow Barbet: common questions
Why does the red-and-yellow barbet nest in termite mounds?
This species excavates its nest cavity directly into active termite mounds, a strategy that provides structural support for the nest along with some protection from predators compared to a simple tree cavity.
How colourful is the red-and-yellow barbet?
This species is one of the most vividly coloured members of the entire barbet family, combining bold red, yellow, and black plumage with a speckled black-and-white pattern across the back.
Where does the red-and-yellow barbet live?
This species is found across dry bush and savanna habitat throughout East Africa, favouring open, arid country rather than dense forest.
Is the red-and-yellow barbet a social bird?
This species is often social, giving a loud, chattering call frequently in groups, contributing to noisy interactions within its dry bush and savanna habitat.