Red-billed Helmetshrike
NameRed-billed Helmetshrike
Common NameRed-billed Helmetshrike
Scientific NamePrionops caniceps
FamilyVangidae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsFeatures a grey crown, black face and nape forming a mask, white underparts, and dark grey to black upperparts and wings. The bill is bright red, and it has a prominent orange-yellow eye-ring. Legs and feet are reddish.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its varied and often noisy vocalizations, including chattering, whistling, and buzzing calls, used for flock cohesion and communication.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone eastward through Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, extending into western Cameroon.
Identifying Featuresbright red bill, grey crown, black facial mask, white underparts, orange-yellow eye-ring, social flocking behavior
Description
This striking West African bird features a bright red bill, a grey crown, and a black face mask contrasting with white underparts and dark upperparts. It is a highly social species, typically found foraging in noisy flocks within the forest canopy.
