Western Tinkerbird Pogoniulus coryphaea Scientific name definitions

c. 9–10 cm; 8–13 g. A rather distinctive, small montane barbet . Both sexes of nominate race with broad golden-yellow band from forehead to rump, bordered black on each side; white malar stripe ; wings black and gold; and greyish-olive underparts. Easily distinguished from both P. simplex and P. leucomystax by general coloration and pattern, but voice similar. Immature duller than adult, base of bill yellow. Race <em>hildamariae</em> slightly smaller, more yellow, less golden; <em>angolensis</em> still paler yellow , duller and greyer, less olive, below .

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Usually montane forest in dense undergrowth, also edges, clearings, riverine thickets and dense secondary forest; occasionally forages into adjacent woodland and Eucalyptus plantations, and visits fruiting trees in the open. Occurs at 900–3030 m, mainly 1900–2500 m.

Mainly resident; post-breeding downslope movement occurs, rarely down to c. 50 m, bringing it into range of several lowland tinkerbirds.

Eats fruits and berries, including figs and mistletoe berries (Loranthaceae); also beetles and probably other insects, but data are sparse. Feeds mainly 2–10 m up in trees; clings like tit (Paridae) to fruits. Moves about rapidly.

Main vocalization fast to slow piping trills in series, much like those of P. leucomystax, 5–12 notes per second; other calls little known.

Oct in Cameroon, Jun–Aug and Nov–Jan in E Zaire, Apr–May in Uganda, and May–Jun in Angola. Non-social breeder, strongly territorial. Nest excavated at 0·6–5 m in dead stub or small dead tree; one was 80 cm deep and up to 50 mm wide, with entrance hole 2 cm across and with sprouting seeds stuck around it. Eggs three; no information on incubation and nestling periods, or on role of sexes.

Not globally threatened. Appears to be generally uncommon and local, but no detailed data on population numbers. Little known also about its breeding biology and general ecology. Requirement for further information on this species considered of some importance, particularly in view of its small fragmented range. Present in several protected areas, e.g. Gashaka-Gumti Reserve (Nigeria), Mount Kupé National Park (Cameroon) and Impenetrable Forest National Park (Uganda).