Pogoniulus bilineatus
The Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus bilineatus) is a diminutive and strikingly colored member of the African barbet family, Lybiidae, renowned for its vibrant plumage and distinctive vocalizations. Averaging just 9.5-11 cm in length and weighing 10-15 grams, it stands as one of the smallest barbets on the African continent. Its appearance is characterized by a brilliant yellow rump, which gives the species its common name, sharply contrasting with its otherwise olive-green upperparts. Di...
Found primarily in a variety of forest types, from lowland rainforests to montane woodlands, as well as forest edges, clearings, and mature gardens. It occurs at elevations ranging from sea level up to 2,200 meters, occasionally higher.
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for fruits, especially figs, supplemented with a variety of insects, such as caterpillars, ants, and beetles. Food is typically gathered by gleaning from branches and foliage or plucking directly from fruit trees.
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbirds are diurnal birds, typically observed singly or in pairs, actively foraging throughout the day. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning insects from foliage and bark, but they are particularly adept at plucking fruits from trees. They are highly territorial, ...
The Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird boasts a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily inhabiting the Afrotropical realm. Its breeding range extends from West Africa, including countries like Senegal, Liberia, and Ghana, eastward through Central Africa, covering nations such as Nigeria, Cam...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird is one of the smallest barbets in Africa, measuring only 9.5-11 cm in length. - Its common name 'Tinkerbird' is derived from its characteristic metallic, anvil-like 'tink-tink-tink' call, which sounds like a tiny hammer on metal. - Despite their small size, these bi...