Tricholaema leucomelas
Originally a denizen of savanna habitats, the distribution range of the Acacia Pied Barbet expanded tremendously during the 20th century into previously unsuitable habitats thanks to the provisioning of water, planting of exotic trees and the establishment of well-wooded parks and gardens in previously unoccupied parts of the country. They follow a varied diet of invertebrates, fruit, flowers and nectar, and are usually seen alone or in pairs.
Acacia Pied Barbets form monogamous pairs that nest in cavities they excavate together in the underside of branches of soft-wooded trees during spring and summer. Both partners share the duty of incubating the clutch of 2-4 eggs that hatch within 3 weeks of laying. Both also provide food to the chicks until they leave the nest at about 5 weeks of age. Adults are about 18cm long and weigh around 30g.
The Acacia Pied Barbet is widely distributed in South Africa, being absent only from the erstwhile Transkei and bordering districts of Kwazulu-Natal. They’re also found in all our neighbouring states and Angola, and is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN.
DeWetsWild 
Ek kyk duidelik nie genoeg om my nie, want ek kan nie dink dat ek al hierdie outjie gesien het nie. En hier het jy sommer ‘n hele string mooi foto’s!
Baie dankie, Corna. Hulle is nogal skaam en het jou waarskynlik al meer kere gesien as jy vir hulle! 😉
I have always enjoyed hearing and seeing them in various parts of SA but particularly on my regular Sunday walks in Faerie Glen NR in Pretoria – now that’s in the past but the Klein Karoo is often good for this species
What’s interesting to me is that I’ve never seen or heard them in the suburbs around here, Don, eventhough Faerie Glen and Moreletakloof NR is just a few blocks away from us. Lots of other barbets and tinkerbirds about here in Garsfontein, but none of these.
So beautiful!!
I agree wholeheartedly, Kathy!
These are very attractive birds. I used to see them in our garden years ago, but it has now become too forested for their liking.
They really look like they have a designer logo printed on them, don’t they Anne?
What a pretty bird!
Have you recovered yet? I’ve seen some videos of the receptions for the team coming home and other wonderful things such as Kolbe giving his medal to a little boy Kolisi is a gem!
I hope you were as glad as we were, Janet. Our last three games in the tournament were nerve-wrecking to watch!
That they were! Thank goodness Pollard was back or the outcomes would have been quite different. Kicking played a big part in many games including England’s opener.
Yep, Pollard really held up his part of the bargain when he was recalled to the team!
So many colors on this little one, Dries. Another beauty.
When I see them they make me think that someone must’ve emblazoned a flag over them!