Black-collared barbet - Lybius torquatus
Rooikophoutkapper [Afrikaans]
isiKhulukhulu or isiQonqotho [Zulu]
Blackcollared barbet
Description
The Black-collared barbet is one of the most common barbets in Africa, occurring from the DRC to Kenya, extending south to southern Africa. It eats mainly fruit, with the rest of its diet composed of insects and nectar. Both sexes excavate the nest, which is a hole usually on the underside of dead branches of trees, preferably softwood trees like Ficus (wild fig). It lays 2-5 eggs, which are incubated by both sexes, for roughly 18 days. The chicks stay in the nest for about 33-36 days, and are fed fruit and insects by both parents.
Distribution and habitat
One of the most common barbets in Africa, occurring from the DRC to Kenya and southern Africa. Within southern Africa it is present in northern Namibia, northern and eastern Botswana, Mozambique and the eastern half of South Africa. It generally prefers broad-leaved woodland with trees such as miombo and Mopane, grassland and suburban gardens.
Food
It mainly eats fruit, especially figs (Ficus), supplemented with insects and nectar.
Call
An unmistakable "two puddly, two puddly", repeated up to 8 times in rapid succession.
The Cache
Safe parking is available at the suggested co-ordinates. Note that a nominal entrance fee is applicable. Holders of Wild / Rhino Cards gain free entry.
The cache is located a short distance off the trail. Please retrace your steps after logging the cache to prevent environmental degradation. Although a small container (just), it will only take mini-sized TBs and coins.