birds

Miombo Barbets

The Miombo Barbets (Tricholaema frontata) is an African endemic that is found in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia.
Miombo Barbets on the Tree
Miombo Barbets on the Tree

 

Description

They are usually about 20 – 25 cm long, plump-looking, with large heads. Their heavy bill is fringed with bristles.

 

Diet / Feeding

These mostly solitary birds eat a variety of fruits, including figs. They will also visit plantations and feed on cultivated fruit and vegetables. Fruit is eaten whole and indigestible material such as seed pits regurgitated later. They are believed to be important agents in seed dispersal.

In addition to fruit, they also eat a wide range of insects are taken, including ants, cicadas, dragonflies, crickets, locusts, beetles, moths, mantids, as well as scorpions and centipedes. On occasion, they may also feed on lizards, frogs and geckos.

Miombo Barbets on the Tree
Miombo Barbets on the Tree

Nesting / Breeding

They typically nest in tree cavities. The hen usually lays between 2 to 4 eggs that are incubated for 13 – 15 days. Nesting duties are shared by both parents.

 

Species Research by Sibylle Johnson

African Barbet InformationAfrican Barbet Species IndexAfrican Barbet Photo Gallery

 


 

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Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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