White-eared Barbet

Overview

The white-eared barbet (Stactolaema leucotis) is a species of African barbet classified under the family Lybiidae. It is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size is 17–18 cm with a weight of 48–63 g.
• Plumage is dark brown with a white belly, dark head, and a distinctive white stripe behind the eye.
• Legs and feet are black to grey-brown with grey soles, paired with a black bill.
• Produces various harsh 'skreek' calls.

Habitat

Found in Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, it inhabits highland forest, moist primary and secondary forest, and some forest edges. The species may also use nearby gardens and Eucalyptus plantations where native trees remain, occurring up to 2600 m elevation in northern Malawi and at least 1600 m in the south.

Diet

Diet consists of fruits such as figs, guavas, pawpaws, mangoes, juniper, and Celtis gomphophylla, as well as insects including hornets, wasps, and spiders. It uses specific sites as 'anvils' to kill and disarm insects, and forages by gleaning, working over bark, and flycatching for termites and other aerial insects.

Did you know?

The bird uses special sites as 'anvils' to kill and disarm insects and is aggressive and dominant at food sources, often asserting dominance over other barbets.