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The Zambezi crested barbet is the common crested barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii), a vibrantly colored sub-Saharan bird known for its loud trilling call and aggressive, territorial behavior.
Appearance: This is a small (23–24 cm), chunky bird with a thick, pale bill and colorful plumage. It has a speckled yellow and red face, a small black crest, a yellow belly with red spots, and black wings with white specks. The male and female plumage is similar.
Habitat and Distribution: It is found in a variety of wooded areas, including forests, savannas, riverine thickets, and even suburban gardens across countries like Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique.
Behavior: Crested barbets are usually seen singly or in pairs and are notably aggressive, chasing away other birds (like doves and thrushes) and have even been known to attack rats and snakes in their territory. They do not fly easily or for long distances, preferring to hop around on the ground to forage.
Diet: Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of insects, fruits, snails, and sometimes the eggs or chicks of other birds. They are considered a friend to gardeners because they consume the local snail population.