A memorable encounter with a rare bird in Ikorongo

On November 20th, George had planned a game drive to Ikorongo with the hope of finding the Manchira Pride of beautiful lions. As we were driving along the Manchira drainage, George suddenly spotted a bird in the distance. We quickly left the road to get a better look and were amazed by what we saw, a stunning double-toothed barbet (Pogonornis bidentatus), a bird we had never seen before. It was the first time this rare bird had been spotted in the Ikorongo region, making it a very special moment for all of us.

Excited to capture the moment, George tried to take a photo, but it didn’t turn out as planned, perhaps because we were all too excited to get the perfect shot. The next day, we decided to return to Ikorongo to see if we could find the bird again. We remembered exactly where we had seen it, so we drove straight to the spot. This time, we were ready and prepared. We found the bird again and spent a long time observing it, taking photos, and learning about its unique behaviour. It was a truly unforgettable experience, one that we will cherish forever.

The double-toothed barbet is named for the two prominent "tooth-like" notches on its beak, which help it tear apart fruit and capture insects. As you can see from this photo they are especially eye-catching with their vibrant black, red, and white plumage, which makes them stand out in forested habitats. They feed on fruits but are opportunistic feeders that also consume insects and small vertebrates. These birds produce a loud and repetitive call that helps them establish territory and communicate with mates. They are native to tropical parts of Africa, where they prefer wooded and forested areas. What a joy to see one here at Singita Grumeti!