Yellow-fronted tinkerbird

Yellow-fronted tinkerbird

Yellow-fronted tinker barbet

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Pogoniulus chrysoconus

The yellow-fronted tinkerbird (Pogoniulus chrysoconus ) is a small African barbet formerly known as yellow-fronted tinker barbet. It is sometimes considered conspecific with its southern counterpart, the red-fronted tinkerbird, Pogoniulus pusillus. Barbets are near passerine birds with bristles around the base of the bill and a world-wide tropical distribution.

Appearance

The yellow-fronted tinkerbird is approximately 11 cm (4.3 in) in length. It is plump, with a short neck, large head, and short tail. The adult has black upperparts heavily streaked with yellow and white. Its head has a strong black and white pattern, with a yellow forecrown spot. The underparts and rump are lemon yellow. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but young birds have a differentiating dark crown that lacks the distinct yellow spot.

Distribution

Geography

The yellow-fronted tinkerbird is a widespread and frequently common resident breeder in much of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It is associated with mesic, open to closed broadleaved or mixed woodlands and scrub. It is found in riparian vegetation but occurs only sparsely in dry savanna and teak woodlands.

Habits and Lifestyle

Lifestyle
Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

The yellow-fronted tinkerbird eats insects and fruit. Mistletoe fruits (Tapinanthus and Viscum spp.) are swallowed whole. The sticky seeds are regurgitated and wiped off on nearby branches. Across their distribution range, yellow-fronted tinkerbirds are the most important disperser of mistletoes.

Mating Habits

The species nests in cavities excavated in dead limbs of trees, some 2 to 5 metres above ground. A clutch of 2 to 3 matt white eggs are laid on a base of wood chips at the bottom of the nesting chamber. The nestlings call persistently, and are reared on fruit and insects by both parents. Nests usually do not survive a season and may be usurped by larger species of barbet.

Population

References

1. Yellow-fronted tinkerbird Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow-fronted_tinkerbird
2. Yellow-fronted tinkerbird on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22681774/92919363
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/702989

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