Stactolaema leucotis
The White-eared Barbet is a forest bird that feeds mainly on fruit (being especially fond of wild figs), occasionally including insects in the menu. Adults measure around 18cm in length and weigh approximately 50g. Groups of up to eleven birds share a hole in a dead tree as a roost, They breed during spring and summer, laying clutches of 3-6 eggs. The chicks stay in the nest for about 5 weeks.
The IUCN notes that the overall population of the White-eared Barbet is probably decreasing due to habitat loss and modification, though still listing it as being of least concern. They occur in a narrow band along Africa’s east coast from Kenya southwards to South Africa, where they may be found only in the province of Kwazulu-Natal.
White-eared Barbet
White-eared barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbets – iSimangaliso Wetland Park
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbets at their nesting hole
White-eared Barbet departing its nest
White-eared Barbets
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet
White-eared Barbet nest
DeWetsWild 
Fantastiese foto’s….ek het nog nooit een gesien nie!
Dan moet jy n plan maak om by Mtunzini en die Umlalazi Natuurreservaat te gaan uitspan, Dina – daar sal jy hulle beslis raakloop.
Was lank gelede daar, toe het ek nog nie voëls gekyk nie…ek wil beslis weer in daardie wêreld ‘n draai gaan maak. Jy begeester my, Dries😄😄
Great captures!
Thank you, Robert!
What a delightful little bird!
Absolutely, Montucky, and one of the first to start singing in the early morning in the forests they call home.
Lyk bekend
Jy’t hulle miskien raakgeloop terwyl jy vakansies op die TO-strand uitgespan het, Tina! 😉
Hehehehe neeee daar was nooit geld vir vakansie nie
Nooit van gehoor nie maar lyk nmooie voorbeeld vanwit ore is dit nie?
Verdien uit-en-uit sy naam, dit is gewis!
Lovely shots, Dries. 😍
Thank you, Sylvia!
I like this White-eared Barbet because it is handsome and is strictly vegetarian.
Handsome indeed, Hien, but if it finds a juicy insect it won’t pass-up on the opportunity 😉
Why is it of least concern if its population is dwindling? It is a pretty little one.
Good question, Lois – seems they haven’t yet reached a threshold low enough to be considered in another conservation category – let’s hope they stay that way!
It’s not a colorful bird, but I love its markings.
I do too!