This bird is adorned with a multitude of stunning flecks in various shades, earning it the fitting moniker of ‘fruit salad.’

Introducing the Crested Barbet: a fascinating bird species with a unique appearance and personality. This feathered friend is a delight to watch and observe, with its distinctive crest of feathers atop its head and vibrant colors. Get ready to marvel at its playful antics as it hops from branch to branch, searching for insects and fruit to munch on. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or just looking for some backyard entertainment, the Crested Barbet is sure to captivate your attention. So grab a pair of binoculars and get ready to discover the wonders of this charismatic avian creature.

The male and female of this species share a similar appearance, but the female is a tad less vibrant in color. They both possess a brief beak and bare skin surrounding their eyes that is tinted with olive-green. Additionally, their legs and feet are a greenish-grey hue. This photo was kindly provided by Andrew Frier under the CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

The Crested Barbet is frequently spotted in the north-eastern region of South Africa, but it is not limited to this area alone. It can also be seen in other African countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and northern Namibia. A lovely bird to behold, it is definitely worth keeping an eye out for!

These lovely birds have a fondness for hanging out in gardens, parks, tropical gardens, wooded areas, and river-edge forests, as well as tree-filled savannas and waterways. They tend to be spotted at elevations ranging from 200 to 1800 meters above sea level.

The Crested Barbet is a bird that enjoys feasting on a variety of foods such as insects, fruit, worms, snails, and even eggs laid by other birds. This bird can be seen in the photo provided by Derek Keats, captured under CC BY 2.0.

These birds have a preference for nesting in Sisal logs (Agave sisalan), particularly during their breeding season which spans from September to December. The construction of the nest is a joint effort between the male and female, and features a tunnel-like entrance that leads into a spacious nesting chamber. The female takes on the task of incubating one to five eggs for roughly 13 to 17 days, while both parents share the responsibility of feeding the young. It takes approximately a month for the chicks to mature enough to leave the nest, and up to five broods can be raised in a single season. Photo credit goes to Åsa Berndtsson under CC BY 2.0 license.

The IUCN does not consider this species to be in danger of becoming vulnerable based on its stable population and wide geographical distribution. This information has been provided by Nick Jonsson, who is the owner of the photograph.

Take a look and a listen to this bird in the video below, as captured by Axel Bührmann and shared under the CC BY 2.0 license.