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 