Green Barbet (Stactolaema olivacea)
The Green barbet is a small, dull olive-green bird with a blackish crown, yellow-tinged eyebrow and ear coverts, and a typically heavy barbet-like bill. The call is a monotonous chop-chop-chop repeated at intervals.
This species has a highly disjunct distribution and occurs at only two sites in Africa, the Rondo Plateau in Tanzania and Ongoye Forest in South Africa. Ongoye Forest supports a resident population of approximately 200 – 300 breeding pairs. Although this species is extremely limited in its distribution, the Green barbet is relatively common within Ongoye Forest, and is best located by its call. However, although locally common, the Green barbet frequents the forest canopy and this makes it rather difficult for a good view.
The Green barbet has been listed as Vulnerable.
Directions
Turn off the N2 freeway at Mtunzini (toll plaza), turn left at the top of the off-ramp and head inland. At the T-junction turn right onto the R102 towards Empangeni. Continue along this road and look for the Forest Inn. Approximately 4 km's after the Forest Inn turn left onto a gravel road, just before a disused service station, onto the P525. Follow this road for approx. 4.5km before turning right onto the D1554. Drive a further 5km's along this road until you pass the Manzamnyama School on your left, and just after the school look for a small road off to the right. From here you need a 4x4 or vehicle with good ground clearance. The gate into the forest is about 1.3 km's along the road. From the gate continue along the main track, taking the left fork at the top of the hill, and after about 2.6 km's turn left onto an indistinct grassy track - the main track goes over the hill. You are now heading for the forest on your left. After approx. 1.2km's stop before or just inside the main forest. From here on the road can be extremely bad, and in wet weather a 4x4 is essential. Carry on into the forest stopping regularly to listen for the birds' call.
GPS Coordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turn-off from the R102 | 28°53'13.19"S | 31°48'57.35"E |
| Turn-off onto D1554 | 28°52'58.51"S | 31°46'37.86"E |
| Turn-off past school | 28°51'50.67"S | 31°44'51.21"E |