Hollows in the same tree may be used for breeding by the Mottled Spinetail. Several birds are associated with one or more species of Palm. Thus the Palm-nut Vulture normally occurs in the vicinity of raphia or elaeis palms. Dickinson's Kestrel, Red-necked Falcon, African Palm Swift and Collared Palm Thrush often nest in palms such as borassus. Large spreading sycamore fig trees in otherwise rather open country are a conspicuous feature of parts of southern Zambia.
Numerous species eat the fruit or make hole nests in dead branches.
One bird that does both is Chaplin's Barbet. It occurs in a limited part of Zambia centred on the Kafue flats and is Zambia's only endemic bird. This striking white and black species is considered near-threatened. At rare times when bamboo seeds are available, the Pied Mannikin can be extraordinarily common in such areas, but at other times it is scarce, local and partially nomadic. The usnea lichen is used in nest construction.