About Lybius vieilloti (Leach, 1815)
Lybius vieilloti, commonly known as Vieillot's barbet, is a sparrow-sized barbet that measures 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. It has a plump body, a short neck, a large head, and a short tail. Adult individuals have a red head, with necks and breasts that show a mixture of red and white coloring. Its upperparts are dark brown, with the exception of a yellow stripe running down the center of the back. The remaining sections of its underparts are yellowish, with dark spots on the flanks. This species has a thick, dark grey bill. Male and female Vieillot's barbets look similar to one another, while immature birds have duller overall plumage. Vieillot's barbet is a resident breeding species found in African scrubland along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, ranging from Senegal to Ethiopia. It is an arboreal species that occupies savannah and farmland habitats, and is frequently observed along wooded creeks in Zaria, Nigeria. Its breeding season occurs from April to July each year. This bird feeds on insects and fruit, with figs being a particularly preferred food source. It nests inside tree holes, and lays a clutch of three eggs.
