.jpg){kind=link}
31 Jan 2023, WINGS in Ecuador: Day 3, birding in Mindo and the NW Andes
Now that we’re based mostly at Séptimo Paraíso Lodge within the Mindo Valley we anticipate to see this iconic hen a number of instances within the subsequent 5 days.
Vibrant and colourful, the toucan barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus) is in regards to the measurement of a starling although heftier. He makes use of his brief fats beak to eat fruit, squeeze nectar from flowers, and dig nest holes in bushes.
Toucan barbets are very social, dwelling yr spherical in a household group of six+ birds that declare 30 – 40 acres of mountain forest. The group consists of the breeding pair plus their offspring from prior years who assist elevate the younger in the course of the February-to-Could (or as late as October) breeding season.
The group begins the day with a duet to inform the neighbors: “Good morning! We’re right here! This territory belongs to us! We are going to combat you in the event you come right here!” Different teams will sneak onto their land in the event that they assume the homeowners are distant.
Watch them eat, preen and “sing” on this video.
(pictures kind Wikimedia Commons, on-line sources: Birds of the World: Toucan barbet)