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A Song you won't forget


A Song you won't forget
Photo Information
Copyright: Gerhard Theron (gerhardt) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2210 W: 268 N: 4098] (11541)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-10-10
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 300D, Tamron AF70-300mm LD, Hoya skylight (1B)
Exposure: f/8, 1/160 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2004-10-19 4:02
Viewed: 1370
Favorites: 2 [view]
Points: 26
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Red-and-yellow Barbet (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus)

Common names: Fr: Barbican ā tęte rouge Ger: Flammenkopf-Bartvogel Spn: Barbudo Cabecirrojo Swe: Rödgul skäggök, Markskäggök Ned: Vuurkop-baardvogel Ita: Barbetto giallorosso

Physical characteristics:
Red-and-yellow barbets have strong red bills that are long, thick and pointed. They are 9 inches (23 cm) long (woodpecker-like in appearance) and strongly patterned with blotches and spots of red, yellow, black and white. They have large red to red-orange heads. Their forehead to hind crown are jet black ending in a slight crest. They have white ear patches and the upper part and necklace are black with round white spots. The breast is orange to red-orange, the lower part of the body and sides are bright yellow. The male has a black chin stripe.

Distribution & habitat
Red-and-yellow barbets are found in low woodlands, savannas and scrubby areas where terrain is rugged and semi-arid. Their range is from central Ethiopia south through Kenya, in north and central Tanzania and southwest Somalia.

Behavior
The red-and-yellow barbets usually occur in pairs or groups of 3 to 10 birds. These birds will mostly forage on or near the ground often near bushes or under trees that can provide cover. They will also forage along the walls of native huts and will also clean the remains of insects from auto tires and radiator screens. They have an investigative and confiding nature and will readily enter houses or cars looking for food. They will easily adapt to humans if not harassed. The Masai often used their beautiful feathers for ornamentation.
Loud duets with a long bubbling medley are a characteristic sound of the bush land habitats. The duet also serves as a territorial song to other outside groups. Once you hear this bird sing you never forget it.

Diet
They are omnivorous, eating fruits, seeds, small birds, insects such as centipedes, beetles, grasshoppers, locust’s termites and ants. If the bird is tame it will eat bread, cereal and ground beef; readily trying most prospective food items.

Breeding & nesting
Pairs often have several sub adult helpers of either or both sexes. The group may contain as many as 4 adults and 5 younger birds, with the average group size being 3 to 5 individuals. The nest is made by tunneling about 16" (40 cm) into a termite mound, stream bank or road cut. At the end of the tunnel is a chamber which will contain a few pieces of grass and several barbet feathers. The parents and helpers will smash larger insects such as centipedes or grasshoppers and will remove the legs and wings before feeding them to the young. The surviving young will act as helpers in later nestings.
Luc, Callie, pione, AndyB, ellis49, marhowie, japie, RAP, PDP, extramundi, deud, coasties has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Callie: New RSAgerhardt 1 10-19 14:53
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Critiques [Translate]

Unfair!!
First a cute kitty, now this kenyan "kuifie". also on my wish list. I thnk I am now a new SAfrican, all shades od green.
beautiful mug shot!!!

  • Great 
  • Luc Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2052 W: 315 N: 4301] (14719)
  • [2004-10-19 4:15]

Quelle belle tęte de Barbican. Et comme elle est bien rendue. Un oiseau riche en couleurs qui doit avoir quelque chose ā cacher. Belle composition. Vous m'avez bien eu, Gerhard. J'aime bien les oiseaux. Merci de partager.

What a beautiful head of Barbican. And as it is well done. A bird with rich colors must have something to hide. Beautiful composition. You got me, Gerhard. I like birds. Thank you for sharing.

  • Great 
  • pione Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 94 W: 0 N: 113] (542)
  • [2004-10-19 4:23]

Bella foto! La grande varietā del piumaggio, sia nella forma, sia nei colori rende questa immagine veramente ineterassante!!!

  • Great 
  • AndyB Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1586 W: 32 N: 1350] (3980)
  • [2004-10-19 4:35]

A lovely capture.
Wonderful colours and detail with a nice clean background.
Excellent,very well done.

Great Gerhard.
It's a beuaty with very coluorful plumage.
Good composition and great details. Very good note.
Great work.

Good Morning! Very nice Gerhard! Very colorful plummage & it seems that these head feathers are slightly raised? for a nice effect. Great detail in this image. Excellent profile - Excellent note - Excellent work!

  • Great 
  • japie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1814 W: 100 N: 1904] (5187)
  • [2004-10-19 8:47]

This one that is on my wishlist! The image is sharp and the eye is stunning.

Thanks for posting

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2004-10-19 9:35]

Hermosa ave Gerhard con increibles detalles en su espectacular plumaje.
Gran agudeza, perfecto encuadre y DOF.

Beautiful bird Gerhard with incredible details in its spectacular plumage.
Great sharpness, perfect frame and DOF.

excelent sharpness , verry clear and good details!colours are good to.
good shot!

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2951 W: 366 N: 3779] (11763)
  • [2004-10-19 15:17]

Beautiful, very very nice. I thought it was Callies when I saw the thumbnail. Excellent work with lovely details and colours. Great note as usuual. You effort is appreciated. Well done Gerhard.

Gerhard, what more can we say about this series, looks like you are getting them for a cathalog, all cut with the same pattern. Fantastic work and superb note.

  • Great 
  • deud Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 498 W: 2 N: 466] (2162)
  • [2004-10-22 5:27]

Impressive note and photo. Very colorful head of this bird.

Gerhard, what a fantastic photo. The capture of the spikey feathers on the head is wonderful as are the colours. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece

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