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All members of a small family group of red and yellow barbets help feed and raise the young. To defend their territory, the dominant breeding pair sings a synchronized duet, which sounds like a repeating “red’n yell-ow”. They will also mob hawks or other intruders.

red and yellow barbet

Did You Know?

They have an investigative and confiding nature and will readily enter houses or cars looking for food.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Trachyphonus erythrocephalus

Range:
Central eastern Africa

Habitat:
Woodland and savanna

Length:
Up to 9 in

Lifespan:
3 yrs

Zoo Location:
Birds of the World

Diet:
Fruit, seeds, insects, and other small animals