Anchieta’s Barbets

The Anchieta’s Barbets (Stactolaema anchietae) are found in the following African countries: Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

Description

Anchieta’s Barbets typically measure about about 20 – 25 in length. They are plump-looking, with large heads. The heavy bill is fringed with bristles.

Diet / Feeding

These mostly solitary birds eat a variety of fruits. They will also visit plantations and take cultivated fruit and vegetables. Fruit is eaten whole and indigestible material such as seed pits regurgitated later.

They will also feed on insects, such as ants, cicadas, dragonflies, crickets, locusts, beetles, moths, mantids – sometimes even scorpions and centipedes. They may also eat lizards, frogs and geckos.

Nesting / Breeding

They usually nest in holes bored into dead trees, branches or stumps – occasionally in riverbanks or termite nests. The hen usually lays between 2 to 4 eggs that are incubated for 13–15 days. Nesting duties are shared by both parents.

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