Green Wood Hoopoe
ExploreBirds
Green Wood Hoopoe
phoeniculus purpureus
The Green Wood Hoopoe has shiny green feathers and a long, curved beak. These birds love to hop around on the ground looking for insects to eat!
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests in Africa
Appearance
The Green Wood Hoopoe has a stunning iridescent metallic green body, often shimmering with blue and purple hues. It features a long, thin, decurved bright red bill and red legs. Its long, graduated tail helps distinguish it from similar birds.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderBucerotiformesFamilyPhoeniculidaeGenusPhoeniculus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A group of Green Wood Hoopoes is sometimes called a "chatter"!
These birds often hang upside down on branches while foraging!
They use their stiff tail feathers like a prop while climbing trees.
They usually nest inside old tree cavities, like abandoned woodpecker holes.
Special abilities
Ability
Laughing Call
Green Wood Hoopoes can make loud, cackling calls because of their specialized vocal cords, which helps them communicate within their groups.
Ability
Tree Climber
Green Wood Hoopoes have strong claws and a stiff tail that helps them cling vertically to tree trunks while searching for hidden insects.
Ability
Probe Beak
Green Wood Hoopoes have a long, slender, curved bill because of their adaptation to probe deep into bark crevices and extract insects.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 34-40 cm
- Wingspan
- 38-45 cm
- Weight
- 0.057-0.082 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 35 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-4
- Incubation
- 17-18 days
Diet & Feeding
These agile birds expertly find and feast on insects and other small creatures hidden in tree bark.
Primary Foods
- beetles
- larvae
- termites
- ants
- spiders
- small lizards
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
African Goshawk
Accipiter tachiro
A predator in its natural range.
depends on
Cardinal Woodpecker
Dendropicos fuscescens
Often uses its abandoned nest holes.
eats
Natal Snouted Termite
Macrotermes natalensis
A common food source.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
African HoopoeGreen HoopoeWood Hoopoe
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Green Wood Hoopoe?
34-40 cm
What is Green Wood Hoopoe's wingspan?
38-45 cm
How much does Green Wood Hoopoe weigh?
0.057-0.082 kg
How long does Green Wood Hoopoe live?
5-10 years
How fast can Green Wood Hoopoe move?
35 km/h
What does Green Wood Hoopoe eat?
These agile birds expertly find and feast on insects and other small creatures hidden in tree bark.
Where is Green Wood Hoopoe usually found?
Tropical and subtropical forests in Africa
How does Green Wood Hoopoe hunt?
Foraging
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