Gymnobucco bonapartei
The Grey-throated Barbet, *Gymnobucco bonapartei*, is a distinctive yet often subtly plumaged member of the African barbet family (Lybiidae), found throughout the forested regions of central and west Africa. Measuring approximately 17-21 cm in length and weighing 40-70 grams, this medium-sized barbet is characterized by its overall dusky grey-brown plumage, a contrasting pale grey throat, and a stout, dark bill. A key identifying feature is the extensive area of bare, often yellow or orange, ...
This barbet primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, including lowland rainforests, gallery forests, and mature secondary growth, typically at elevations from sea level up to 2,000 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for figs, but also consumes a variety of other fruits, berries, and some insects (ants, termites, beetles) gleaned from foliage.
The Grey-throated Barbet is a highly social and diurnal species, often encountered in noisy flocks of 5 to 20 individuals, sometimes numbering up to 50 or more, frequently associating with mixed-species foraging parties. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning fruits and insects from foliage an...
The Grey-throated Barbet is a widespread resident species found across a broad swathe of equatorial Africa. Its range extends from West Africa, encompassing countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, and Cameroon, eastward through Central Africa. It continues in...
Least Concern
- The Grey-throated Barbet is one of the few barbet species that consistently nests in large colonies, sometimes with dozens of pairs sharing a single dead tree. - Its bare, often bright yellow or orange facial skin is a distinctive field mark, giving it a somewhat 'naked-faced' appearance. - Des...