Cameroon, Congo [The Democratic Republic of the], Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania [United Republic of], Uganda.
Eastern Sudan, Eritrea and western and central Ethiopia, south to extreme north-eastern Zaire, central Uganda, western Kenya and central-northern Tanzania; range expanding in western Kenya. Recently reported from northern Cameroon, so may occur in Central African Republic.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Black-billed Barbet (Lybius guifsobalito) [XC83793]
by Peter Boesman from Bugungu Airstrip, Murchinson Falls National Park, Uganda (duet, song)
Black-billed Barbet (Lybius guifsobalito) [XC45092]
by James and David Bradley from Ethiopia Hotel, Gambella, Ethiopia (call, song)
Subspecies
Closely related to Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus) (similar size, coloration, displays, sexual duet roles), but not so close as to form a superspecies. Each reacts strongly to playback of the other's voice. Also related, less closely, to Red-faced Barbet (Lybius rubrifacies). Birds become smaller clinally from north to south, but insufficient for racial differentiation. Populations from White Nile southwards formerly separated as subspecies ugandae.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet