Phoeniculus purpureus
The Green Wood Hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) is a captivating, medium-sized arboreal bird endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, typically measuring 33-38 cm (13-15 inches) in length and weighing 54-89 grams. Its most striking features are its long, slender, decurved bright red bill and iridescent plumage, which shimmers with metallic green, blue, and violet hues depending on the light, giving it a jewel-like appearance. Distinctive field marks include a long, graduated tail and a conspicuous white ...
Green Wood Hoopoes primarily inhabit woodlands, savannas, riverine forests, acacia scrub, and even well-wooded gardens, avoiding dense primary rainforests and arid deserts. They can be found from sea level up to elevations of around 2,000 meters across their African range.
Their diet consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates, including beetle larvae, termites, ants, grubs, and spiders, which they skillfully extract by probing bark and decaying wood. Occasionally, they may supplement their diet with small vertebrates or fruit.
These highly social and diurnal birds live in cohesive family groups typically ranging from 3 to 12 individuals, often roosting communally in tree cavities or dense foliage at night. Their primary foraging strategy involves probing deep into bark crevices, dead wood, and even under leaf litter wi...
The Green Wood Hoopoe is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, extending from Senegal and Gambia in the west, eastward through parts of the Sahel region, and southwards to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Its extensive range encompasses countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswa...
Least Concern
- Green Wood Hoopoes are one of the most prominent examples of cooperative breeding in birds, with entire family groups working together to raise the young of a dominant pair. - Their stunning iridescent plumage can appear metallic green, blue, purple, or even black, shifting colors depending on ...