Yellow fronted tinkerbird

Introduction: Yellow-fronted tinkerbirds (Pogoniulus chrysoconus) can be found in a woodland and forest habitat. Sometimes their nests are taken over by Acacia pied barbets, who enlarge the entrance hole and chamber whilst also destroying the nest.

Distribution: Northern Namibia including Etosha National Park, Caprivi and the Chobe and Zambezi River systems.

Diet: Forages upper canopy for mistletoe fruits and is a prime mistletoe seed disperser, wiping seeds regurgitated seeds that stick on their beaks on a nearby branch. Insects and other fruits are also eaten.

Description: A small barbet with yellow or red on the forehead or rump. Chrysoconus is the Latin word for 'golden cone', a mistake, as it should be conus or hair.

Breeding: Nests are excavated in dead branches a few metres above the ground between July and February. Females lay between 2 and 4 eggs on wood chips at the bottom of the chamber.

Size: 12cm.

Weight: 13 to 14g.