Lybius chaplini
The Chaplin's Barbet, scientific name Lybius chaplini, is a truly striking avian jewel, renowned as the only bird species endemic to Zambia. This medium-sized barbet typically measures around 19 cm (7.5 inches) in length, featuring a robust, stocky build characteristic of its family. Its most distinctive field mark is the vivid scarlet face, encompassing the forehead, lores, and chin, which contrasts sharply with its bright yellow underparts and a broad yellow collar. The upperparts, wings, a...
Resident year-round in mature Miombo woodlands, favoring areas with a dense canopy and scattered dead trees for nesting. Occasionally found in mixed woodlands or well-treed cultivation, typically at elevations between 1000 and 1500 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for figs (Ficus species), complemented by a substantial intake of insects such as termites, ants, beetles, and caterpillars. Occasionally consumes small vertebrates.
Chaplin's Barbet is a diurnal species, typically observed singly or in pairs, occasionally forming small family groups outside the breeding season. Foraging occurs primarily in the upper canopy, where it gleans fruits, particularly figs, and a variety of insects from foliage and branches. It also...
The Chaplin's Barbet is endemic to a relatively restricted portion of south-central Zambia, primarily inhabiting the Miombo woodlands of the central plateau. Its core range extends across the Copperbelt, Lusaka, and Central Provinces, reaching into suitable habitats within parts of Southern and W...
Near Threatened
- Chaplin's Barbet holds the unique distinction of being the only bird species strictly endemic to Zambia. - It was named after Sir Francis Chaplin, who served as the Administrator of Northern Rhodesia (modern-day Zambia) from 1911 to 1921. - The vivid scarlet mask on its face is an unmistakable ...