Double-toothed Barbet

## About

A female double-toothed barbet perching on a branch.

The double-toothed barbet ***(Lybius bidentatus)*** is a species of small piciform songbird, native to Africa. Double-toothed barbets have vibrant red breast and chest plumage as well as a red wing band and black plumage on their wings, back and tail. Black areas also appear around the barbet's bill and their brows are a reddish black colour. White areas on the bird's back and sides are also present, along with yellow bands also on the bird's sides. Bare orange/peach skin surrounds the bird's eyes, along with small yellow triangular markings. The most defining feature of this barbet is its oddly jagged bill, which is also the source of the bird's name. The notches or 'teeth' on the bird's bill allow greater dexterity when eating live prey. Small amounts of sexual dimorphism can be observed however, it is only apparent appearance wise, in the fact that female barbets have dotted black lining on their white sides. Juvenile colouration also varies compared to adults, having ash or grey plumage. They are relatively small birds, measuring to 23cm (9in) in length and weighing a relatively light 65-91g (2.3-3.2oz).

## Diet

Double-toothed barbets are omnivorous birds that eat a variety of fruits including, avocados, papayas, figs and various umbrella tree fruits. The birds use their conical bill notches to ensnare prey, which may include insects such as; beetles, ants, termites and flying taxa. Though this adaptation may seem rather trivial or unnecessary at first, it proves to be very useful when used correctly to secure prey.

## Conservation Status

Nothing seems to immediately threaten this widely spread and abundant bird, so it is classed as a species of least concern by the IUCN.

## Range and Population

Double-toothed barbets are an extremely widespread bird species that inhabit regions of west, east and central Africa, including countries such as Ethiopia, Angola and Guinea-Bissau. The barbets can occur at an upper elevation limit of 2,300m (7,545ft) and exist in mostly forested areas, in riparian and secondary woodlands as well as areas near inland wetlands. The bird's population is unknown and likely in decline. The fluctuations present in the double-toothed barbet's range and area support this hypothesis and likely the largest contributor to the decline is logging and habitat degradation. Though the double-toothed barbet has likely faced a decrease in <10% of its population within the past three generations (2016 analysis), its population likely does not approach the thresh-hold to be considered a threatened or vulnerable species.

## Behaviour

Double-toothed barbets are sociable songbirds, usually being found in small familial flocks or pairs, while lone barbets are rarely seen. These flocks will rule over large territories and roost communally, nesting together in deep excavated tree cavities, of which are typically built more than 2<m (6.5ft) from ground level and can be up to 46cm (18.11in) in depth. During breeding, the male double-toothed barbet will court the female by swinging his tail and body in a range of motions, before flashing his white sides towards the female. The pair will also allopreen each other whilst jumping or hopping back and forth. When nesting, the pair will excavate a nest separate to their respective communal nests, in order to house their eggs in. In order to attract the female to this location, the male counterpart often taps on the cavity's entrance to alert her. Once settled the female will lay 2-4 small white eggs. These eggs hatch after a 13 day incubation and the hatchlings are fed insects, before being transitioned to fruits. Waste such as feces are expelled from the nest via the help of not only the parents but also helpers. After approximately 37-39 days the hatchlings will fledge.

### Relationship with Humans

Humans pose little threat to the double-toothed barbet and the bird can be found regularly inhabiting urban areas in its range.

## In Captivity

The double-toothed barbet is not a popular pet species and can only be found in captivity at the San Diego Zoo in the USA.

## Sources

* Double-Toothed Barbet | Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-toothed\_barbet
* Double-Toothed Barbet | Birdlife International Datazone - http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22681861
* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22681861/92923363
* Double-Toothed Barbet | ZOOINSTITUTES - https://zooinstitutes.com/animals/double-toothed-barbet-4243/