Rhinopomastus castaneiceps
The Forest Wood Hoopoe (*Rhinopomastus castaneiceps*) is a striking member of the woodhoopoe family (Phoeniculidae), characterized by its distinctive glossy purplish-black plumage and a vibrant chestnut-rufous head, which gives the species its name. This small, arboreal bird typically measures 23-28 cm (9-11 in) in length and weighs between 25-45g. A prominent field mark is its long, thin, and strongly decurved black bill, perfectly adapted for probing. Unlike true hoopoes, it lacks a crest. ...
Found in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, including evergreen and gallery forests. Typically inhabits elevations from 600 to 2500 meters (2000-8200 ft).
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on arboreal insects such as beetles, larvae, ants, termites, and spiders. Occasionally consumes millipedes or small vertebrates like geckos, and rarely some fruit.
Forest Wood Hoopoes are highly social and diurnal, typically observed foraging in noisy family groups of 2-6 individuals. Their primary foraging strategy involves meticulously probing bark crevices, moss, and lichens on large trees with their specialized long, decurved bill, often hanging upside ...
The Forest Wood Hoopoe is a resident species found across a broad but somewhat disjunct range in equatorial Africa. Its distribution extends from southeastern Nigeria, eastward through Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of ...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name *castaneiceps* is Latin for 'chestnut-headed,' aptly describing its most distinctive feature. - Unlike the European Hoopoe, Forest Wood Hoopoes and their relatives (Phoeniculidae) do not possess a prominent crest. - They are true cooperative breeders, with non-breeding membe...