Acacia Pied Barbet

Overview

The acacia pied barbet (Tricholaema leucomelas) is a species of bird in the family Lybiidae native to southern Africa. It is a sedentary but fairly restless species that typically occurs in pairs or singly.

Identification

• Black-and-white striped head with a red front and forecrown, and a pale yellow superciliary stripe.
• Black bib under the chin with a white breast and underparts in the T. l. centralis subspecies, while other subspecies have dusky, streaky, or yellowish underparts.
• Dark brown eyes and blackish legs and feet.
• Juveniles lack the red forehead mark and possess more streaky underpart plumage.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits semi-arid savanna, grassland, fynbos, agricultural areas, and urban gardens, the latter being relatively new habitats. Its range includes Angola, Botswana, eastern Eswatini, western Lesotho, southern Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, southern Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Diet

Observed consuming fruit from trees and shrubs such as Ficus, Searsia, and Phoenix reclinata, as well as Aloe nectar and insects.

Did you know?

The species has expanded its range into previously unreachable areas due to the introduction of alien vegetation, specifically Australian Racosperma species, to regions bordering its original distribution.