Happy Tuesday, readers!
Sharing a few snaps of a couple collared barbets. These two might be a mating pair. Does this surprise you? If so, you’re probably familiar with birds, and know that many male birds have more color, or striking variation in color, than females. The generally accepted explanation for this is that males use color to attract females for mating, and females use less color/camouflage, to hide while sitting on a nest.
I don’t know why barbets are an exception, and though I’ve ordered a stimulating academic book on the breeding habits of Toucans, Barbets, and Honeyguides, it won’t be here in time to enlighten you. So please accept the following as common conjecture: since both male and female incubate the nest and feed the young, it seems there is no need for color variation. And since they nest in fruit-bearing trees, their plumage color may not distract from their surroundings during nesting. (If you’re an expert, or a bird enthusiast with great theories, please comment on this below!)
The other interesting tidbit about barbets, told to me by my birding friend, Claire, is that when you hear the call of a barbet, you’re actually hearing a duet between two birds.
Always.
Yep. According to ornithologists, barbets never sing solo. Anytime you hear a barbet calling, the song is actually a “two-part harmony.” The call is so fast that it’s surprising to think this is a call and response between two separate birds.
Ornithologists who study the barbet and record them can even pick up subtle differences in the calls, signalling either mating, greeting, or territorial displays. To the average listener, however, it all sounds like this…
If you enjoy birds as much as I do, here are a couple of my favorite organizations. One is in the states, and one is in South Africa:
American Birding Association – Great organization if you’re an American bird enthusiast. I particularly like their blog. One of my favorite birders/writers/photographers has a regular column there: Frank Izaguirre. Click here to see his work.or follow him on Twitter.
Bird Life South Africa – Great organization for South African birders. Conservation and education.
♥
Well, that’s it for this Tuesday in Tshwane (aka Pretoria). Have a great week!
Love, MarLa
Like birds? Here are some more posts you may enjoy…
When a Bird Challenges Your Car, You…
Things Unknown But Longed For Still
Squabs and the Strange Poets Who Write About Them
Owl Handling: Just Another Dubai Night
Help! There’s a Boerboel on my Bird Feeder!
Southern Ground Hornbill in The Kruger
Grey Go-away Bird: You Won’t See This in Your American Backyard
If you haven’t seen it, I recommend a movie titled “The Big Year” with Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black! If you love birds and “birding” it is a great movie! I know the line up sounds like a slapstick comedy, but it is really a good movie! 5 stars from me!
Love it!! Thanks for another wonderful read …
Thank you, for always filling my head with information!