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White-eared Barbet | Stactolaema leucotis
The White-eared Barbet is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Lybiidae bird family group which includes birds such as Typical Shrikes. The description for the White-eared Barbet (Latin name Stactolaema leucotis) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Stactolaema leucotis can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 466 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 138. You will find a picture of the White-eared Barbet on page 144. NOTE: The reference for the information following is "Roberts Birds of Southern Africa", 7th Edition*. This edition contained a number of taxonomic changes as well as changes to English names used traditionally and in earlier editions of most bird books in South Africa. The following paragraph notes such changes if any. There have been no changes in the common name between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition. There have been no changes in the Latin name for the White-eared Barbet between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition The White-eared Barbet has a height of 19 cms and weighs around 54 gms. The head is coloured black, white while the bill is coloured black. The Stactolaema leucotis has a black coloured throat, black legs and a black coloured back. The eyes are black. Take note of the main distinguishing features such as colour, size and leg length relative to the body size. Colours of body parts can be helpful. Be aware what may appear brown to one person is described in Roberts using some other word ... for example brown, black. See colours used in Roberts. Head is black, white Eyes are black Bill is black Legs are black Throat is black Back is black Feeding Habits ...The White-eared Barbet is usually seen hunting for food within the tree foliage The Stactolaema leucotis attacks its prey aerially and feeds on wing or takes the prey to a secluded venue where it is killed, torn into small pieces and eaten This bird eats insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, locusts and ants. These invertebrates are usually hawked aerially, killed and then eaten . The Stactolaema leucotis forages mainly on the ground or at the base of trees, and low down in the shrubs eating mostly fruits and seeds. Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...The White-eared Barbet is a monogamous bird which means that the bird finds and breeds with one partner for the rest of its life. The bird lays between 3 to 6 eggs and they are coloured white. The nest is built high up in the tree canopy and is protected from predators by branches and the dense green foligae. The bird builds its nest within a tree cavity just a few meters above the ground. The hole in the tree is normally reused in the next nesting season. The White-eared Barbet is mainly found in light and densely wooded forests, where there are Mopane trees. This bird is very common in most of the Southern African Forests Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...This bird is usually seen in small family groups or in large flocks |
