A Flash of Color and a Ringing Call: Levaillant’s Barbet Lights Up Upemba’s Skies

If you’re walking through the woodlands of Upemba National Park and hear a sharp, ringing “pook-pook” echoing through the trees, pause and look up — you may have just been noticed by one of the park’s most vibrant and vocal residents: Levaillant’s Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii).

Recognized by its striking plumage; a kaleidoscope of yellow, red, and black spots set against a creamy backdrop, the Levaillant’s Barbet is one of Upemba’s unmistakable avian gems. Often found perched in the upper canopy or darting between trees, its bright colors and energetic presence make it a favorite among birdwatchers and researchers alike.

But this bird isn’t just a feast for the eyes. Its distinctive calls, including the rhythmic pook-pook and a more melodic pee-ooo, often give away its position long before it’s seen. These sounds are more than song — they’re communication between mates, declarations of territory, and a signature of life in Upemba’s dynamic ecosystems.

The species thrives across a range of habitats within the park, from open woodlands and savannas dotted with trees to lush riverine corridors. Such adaptability allows it to flourish across multiple zones, contributing to the barbet’s status as a regular — yet always delightful — sight.

An opportunistic feeder, Levaillant’s Barbet maintains a varied diet. It primarily consumes fruit, which makes it an important agent of seed dispersal — a role vital to forest regeneration. But it also supplements its meals with insects and even small reptiles, foraging energetically in the canopy or probing bark for hidden prey.

When nesting, this barbet becomes a cavity specialist, often excavating its own nest in dead trees or taking over abandoned holes. Inside these wooden chambers, the birds raise their brood — typically 2 to 4 eggs — safely hidden from predators and the elements.

Though small and often overlooked in the grand scale of conservation, species like Levaillant’s Barbet serve as a reminder of how interconnected life is in protected areas like Upemba. Every fruit it eats, every seed it spreads, and every call it makes plays a role in maintaining the health and diversity of the ecosystem.

So next time you’re exploring Upemba’s wild corners, listen carefully. The pook-pook you hear may just be your invitation into the colorful, vocal world of Levaillant’s Barbet.