With their gaudy colours, spikey crests and raucous calls, Crested Barbets are sometimes referred to as the punk rockers of the bird world. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits as well as insects such as ants, cicadas, dragonflies, crickets, locusts, beetles, moths and mantids. They may even take scorpions and centipedes, as well as lizards, frogs and geckos.

Common throughout most of southern Africa, Crested Barbets nest in holes bored into dead trees, branches or stumps. On occasion, they may nest in riverbanks or termite nests. They are extremely territorial and will chase away all intruders, including birds much bigger than themselves. They have a distinct, rather unmusical shrill and are extremely vocal birds, at times the call continuing for long periods of time.

A framed, original watercolour painting on Fabriano 250g Acid Free Watercolour Paper. Worldwide courier delivery is included in the price.

Size: 430mm x 560mm