Green Woodhoopoe
NameGreen Woodhoopoe
Common NameGreen Woodhoopoe
Scientific NamePhoeniculus purpureus
FamilyPhoeniculidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)37
Weight (g)71
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly dark, with a brilliant iridescent sheen of metallic green, blue, and purple, particularly on the head, back, and wings. It has a long, slender, graduated tail, often with white markings on the outer tail feathers. The bill is long, slender, and decurved, bright red, and the legs are also red.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, cackling, and chattering calls, often given in chorus by a group. Calls can sound like "kuk-uk-uk-uk" or "krr-krr-krr".
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to South Africa.
Identifying Featuresiridescent green-blue-purple plumage, long, decurved bright red bill, long graduated tail, red legs, loud cackling calls
Description
This iridescent dark bird is characterized by its long, graduated tail and a distinctive bright red, decurved bill. It typically forages in trees, often in small, noisy groups, probing bark for insects.
