Yellow-fronted tinkerbird

Appearance

The yellow-fronted tinkerbird is approximately 11 cm in length. It is plump, with a short neck, large head, and short tail. The adult has black upperparts heavlly streaked with yellow and white. Its head has a strong black and white pattern, with a yellow forecrown spot. The underparts and rump are lemon yellow. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but young birds have a differentiating dark crown that lacks the distinct yellow spot.

Distribution

The yellow-fronted tinkerbird is a widespread and frequently common resident breeder in much of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It is sometimes considered conspecific with its southern counterpart, the red-fronted tinkerbird, "Pogoniulus pusillus".

Behavior

At about 100 repetitions per minute, the yellow-fronted tinkerbird's call is a fast "tink-tink-tink-tink". Many barbets perch prominently, but, unlike their larger relatives, the smaller tinkerbirds sing from cover and are more frequently heard than seen.

Habitat

Associated with dry open woodland and scrub, the yellow-fronted tinkerbird eats insects and fruit. The species nests in tree holes and lays two or three eggs.

Food

Tinkerbirds eat mistletoe fruits, swallowed whole. The sticky seeds are regurgitated and wiped off on nearby branches. Yellow-fronted tinkerbirds are the most important disperser of mistletoes. On average it needs 172 fruits to satisfy its daily nutritional requirements.