Name
Red-fronted Tinkerbird - Pogoniulus pusillus.
Red-fronted Tinkerbird Appearance
The red-fronted tinkerbird is a smaller barbet, measuring around 12 cm. This tinkerbirds head has black, white and yellow markings, with a red forecrown. It has streaked upperparts that are black, white and yellow, with a yellow to gold wing patch. The underparts are an olive-grey colour. The red-fronted tinkerbird is typical barbet shaped, with a short neck and tail, and a large head for its size. The bill is black and has bristles around the base.
Red-fronted Tinkerbird Diet
The red-fronted tinkerbird feeds on fruit and insects. They are seasonally dependent on mistletoe fruit.
The red-fronted tinkerbird is important for seed dispersal. Small fruit and berries are eaten whole with the seeds dispersed in a different location.
Red-fronted Tinkerbird Breeding
The red-fronted tinkerbird is monogamous and excavates a small hole on the underside of a dead branch or stump, around 1 m off the ground. Between 2 or 3 eggs are laid and are incubated by both parents.
Threats
None.
Distribution and Habitat
The red-fronted tinkerbird is a common resident along the coastline of KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape Province.