Image by PETER-JOHN WELCOME, text by FAYE KNIGHT
As we reach the start of the first quarter of the year, April brings a new bird of the month, the Black-collared Barbet, photographed by Peter-John Welcome.
With their distinctive red face and broad black collar, this chunky, medium sized barbet is native to the diverse landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa and that’s the least interesting thing about it!
- These brightly headed birds are also known as Rooikophoutkapper and is one of the most common occurring barbets in Africa.
- These stocky birds measure to be approximately 28cm, with both females and males similar in size and colour. These barbets are also set apart from other barbet species due to their larger size.
- This gregarious bird is often seen acting in unison with others of its kind to repel intruders but are monogamous in pairing during the breeding seasons.
- While breeding pairs are monogamous, it is common for these barbets to roost in large groups, sometimes reaching 15 individuals in a single nest hole.
- These barbets nest in holes in tree trunks a few meters from the ground.
- When listening for the song of the Black-collared Barbet, a vocal repertoire is dominated by its antiphonal duets, sometimes described as “too-puddly” or “too-doodle” calls.
- These duets are synchronised with each bird seamlessly following the others call, but Black-collared Barbets can also produce a variety of calls which include snarling warnings and loud buzzing sounds.
- A display these birds engage in is a greeting ceremony which includes wing-flicking and bowing to each other.
- These tree dwellers are a predominantly frugivorous species, meaning their food preference lies in the various fruits and vegetables they might have access to, with the known behaviour of visiting plantations in search of food. Here they consume fruits and vegetables whole, later regurgitating the seeds.
Black-collared Barbets are sight to see when birding, with their striking colours and distinct calls.
