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Showing posts with label GREEN WOOD HOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus). Show all posts
Showing posts with label GREEN WOOD HOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus). Show all posts

Wednesday, 3 January 2024

2-1-2024 LAMIN RICE FIELDS, GAMBIA - GREEN WOOD HOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus)


The green wood hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) is a large, up to 44 cm (17 in) long tropical bird native to Africa. It is a member of the family Phoeniculidae, the wood hoopoes, and was formerly known as the red-billed wood hoopoe.

This abundant species is a metallic dark green, with a purple back and very long diamond-shaped purple tail. Distinctive white markings on the wings and white chevrons on the tail edges make it easily identifiable, as does its long, thin, curved red bill. Sexes are similar, but immatures have a black bill.

It advertises its presence with its loud kuk-uk-uk-uk-uk call and other vocalisations.


The green wood hoopoe is an insect-eating species. It feeds mainly on the ground, at termite mounds, or on tree trunks, and forms flocks outside the breeding season. Its specialised claws enable it to cling easily to the underside of branches while closely inspecting the bark for insects.

The green wood hoopoe is a cooperative breeder and common resident in the forests, woodlands and suburban gardens of most of sub-Saharan Africa. It is found in groups of up to a dozen or so birds with only one breeding pair. The breeding female lays two to four blue eggs in a natural tree hole or old barbet nest and incubates them for about 18 days. On hatching, she and the nestlings are fed by the rest of the group, even after they have fledged and left the nest hole. The group is fearless in defence of the nestlings against intruders. This species is parasitised by the greater and lesser honeyguide.


Tuesday, 28 August 1984

1984 SAMBURU, KENYA - GREEN WOOD HOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus)


The green wood hoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus, is a striking bird native to the African continent. It is a large species, reaching up to 44 cm in length, and is adorned with a lustrous metallic dark green plumage. The bird's back is a resplendent purple, and it boasts a remarkably long, diamond-shaped tail of the same hue. Its wings are marked with distinctive white patterns, and the tail edges are decorated with white chevrons, making it a sight to behold.

Upon sighting, one can identify the green wood hoopoe by its long, thin, and curved red bill, which is a prominent feature against its dark plumage. Both sexes appear similar, though the immature birds can be distinguished by their black bills. The white markings on the wings and tail are key identifiers for this species.

The green wood hoopoe is a common resident of sub-Saharan Africa's forests, woodlands, and even suburban gardens, where it can be seen foraging and socializing in groups.

This bird has a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, with its presence noted from Senegal to South Africa. It is divided into six recognized subspecies, each occupying different geographical regions within the continent.