Bare cheeked babbler

Introduction: Many bare-cheeked babblers (Turdoides gymnogenys) favour rocky ground embellished with dry thickets, rocky hillsides and plains as well as undergrowth along dry watercourses. They are a sociable species which gathers in small, but noisy groups year-round.

Distribution: North-central and north-western regions of the country including Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, Hoanib River region and much of Damaraland.
Diet: Group foraging is common for mainly insects such as beetles and caterpillars.

Description: Bare-skin on the face from the bill below the eye and ear coverts, including a small patch around the ear.
Breeding: Other group members help build a deep bowl made from dry grass and lined with finer grass. Usually 2 to 3 eggs are laid in November to December.

Size: 24cm.

Weight: 80g.