Pogoniulus coryphaea
The Western Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus coryphaea) is a diminutive, yet vibrant, member of the African barbet family (Lybiidae), renowned for its distinctive, metallic 'tinkering' call. Measuring a mere 10-12 cm (4-4.7 inches) in length and weighing just 10-15 grams, this stocky, short-tailed bird boasts striking plumage: deep green upperparts contrasting with bright yellow underparts, often with an olive wash on the flanks. Key identification marks include a prominent black eye-stripe, a pale sup...
Found primarily in montane and submontane evergreen forests, including forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth, at elevations typically ranging from 900 to 3000 meters.
Mainly frugivorous, with a strong preference for mistletoe berries, supplemented by a significant intake of small insects and larvae, primarily gleaned from leaves and bark.
The Western Tinkerbird is a diurnal and highly arboreal species, often observed alone or in pairs high in the forest canopy. Its foraging strategy involves active gleaning for insects and fruit among the foliage, often favoring mistletoe berries. It is highly territorial, defending its patch with...
The Western Tinkerbird exhibits a highly disjunct distribution across montane regions of West and East-Central Africa. The nominate subspecies, *P. c. coryphaea*, is found in southeastern Nigeria, western Cameroon, and on Bioko Island. A third, distinct subspecies, *P. c. toroensis*, inhabits the...
Least Concern
- The Western Tinkerbird is one of the smallest members of the barbet family in Africa. - Its common name, 'Tinkerbird,' is an onomatopoeia derived directly from its metallic, anvil-like 'tink-tink' call. - Despite its small size, its territorial calls can be heard from a considerable distance th...