Usambiro barbet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Usambiro barbet |
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| T. usambiro in Kenya | |
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Trachyphonus darnaudii usambiro |
The Usambiro barbet (Trachyphonus usambiro) is a colorful bird that lives in parts of Africa. It belongs to the African barbet family, called Lybiidae. This bird was once thought to be a type of D'Arnaud's barbet, but scientists decided in 2021 that it is its own unique species.
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About the Usambiro Barbet
The Usambiro barbet is a small bird, usually about 18 to 19 centimeters (7 to 7.5 inches) long. It weighs between 37 and 50.5 grams (about 1.3 to 1.8 ounces). Both male and female birds look very similar.
What Does It Look Like?
This barbet has a bright yellow head with black spots. Its wings are black with white spots, making it easy to spot. The bird's chest is also yellow, but it has a dark band across it. Its belly is a pale yellow, and it has a reddish area near its tail.
Where Does It Live?
You can find the Usambiro barbet in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. It lives in open areas like savannas, grasslands, and places with shrubs. It also likes pastures where animals graze. These birds live at heights from about 1,100 to 2,100 meters (3,600 to 6,900 feet) above sea level. If its home overlaps with the larger Red-and-yellow barbet, the Usambiro barbet will choose flat areas instead of stream beds.
What Does It Eat?
Scientists believe the Usambiro barbet eats a diet similar to the D'Arnaud's barbet. This means it likely enjoys seeds, fruits, and many different kinds of insects.
How Was It Discovered?
The Usambiro barbet was first described in 1908 by a scientist named Oscar Rudolph Neumann. He found a specimen of the bird in a place called Usambiro in Tanzania. At first, it was considered a subspecies of D'Arnaud's barbet, but now it is recognized as its own distinct species.
