The focus of this article is on the Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird.
This little bird, with its pre-pandemic face mask, is one of the most friendly and relaxed around humans, coming really close if there is food nearby.
It is very common in Pigeon Valley, but has a limited range along the coast.
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Its call is heard constantly in the area, typically a monotonous note repeated four to seven times.
In winter its call is sometimes supplemented by a short churr sound. Its diet is a mixture of berries and insects.
Sometimes I hear a quiet tapping on a dead branch and see one excavating the small cavity that it uses as its nest.
ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Natal Spurfowl
The bird in the photo had been attracted to this sprawling tree, with its burst of white flowers as this time of year that attracts a wide range of insects.
This is Gymnosporia nemorosa, which boasts as its English name White-spot Forest Spikethorn.
ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Natal Spurfowl
It has just located some food in the flowers. In this photo, you cannot see the deep yellow of the rump that gives the species its common name.
Its close relative, the Redfronted Tinkerbird is similar but has an unmistakable bright red forehead.
Its call is also similar, but repeated much, much longer. It visits Pigeon Valley occasionally and I heard it calling just this morning in the area.
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