Zambian barbet  (Lybius chaplini)

Description

Formerly named after a colonial governor, this threatened bird was recently renamed, Zambian barbet, to emphasize its status as Zambia’s only true endemic species (3) (4) (5). The ruffled plumage of the Zambian barbet is predominately white, except for vibrant-red markings around the eyes, a black tail, and black wings edged yellow. In common with other barbets, it has a stout bill, which it snaps loudly together amongst a chorus of other buzzy, grating notes. Its song is an accelerating, noisy cackle, sung by up to three birds at a time (2).

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