Green Wood Hoopoe

Overview

The green wood hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) is a large, up to 44 cm long, tropical bird native to Africa. It is an abundant member of the wood hoopoe family, Phoeniculidae, and is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Metallic dark green plumage with a purple back and a very long diamond-shaped purple tail.
• Distinctive white markings on the wings and white chevrons on the tail edges.
• Long, thin, curved red bill, though immatures have a black bill.
• Loud 'kuk-uk-uk-uk-uk' call.

Habitat

Found in forests, woodlands, and suburban gardens across most of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a common resident throughout its large range, extending from Senegal to South Africa.

Diet

An insect-eating species that feeds mainly on the ground, at termite mounds, or on tree trunks. It forms flocks outside the breeding season and uses specialised claws to cling to the underside of branches while inspecting bark for insects.

Did you know?

The green wood hoopoe is a cooperative breeder where groups of up to a dozen birds assist the breeding pair by feeding the nestlings even after they have fledged. The entire group is fearless in its defence of the nestlings against intruders.