glossy-metallic, purplish-greenish plumage (South Africa; 2007-07-11)


Green (or Red-billed) Wood Hoopoe
Phoeniculus purpureus

Native Range: Africa

Notes: all eight living species of Wood Hoopoes (Phoeniculidae) are slim arboreal birds, native to Africa, with long graduated tails and long decurved bills; socially monogamous, they reproduce using unlined nests in tree hollows; plumages are generally black, green, or purplish blue with a strong metallic gloss; wood hoopoes have very short legs so they seem "clingy,"to tree trunks, branches, or to the ground where they occasionally perch as well.


long bright red decurved bill (South Africa; 2007-07-11)

long graduated tail with white spots (South Africa; 2007-07-11)

ventral view; white spots are under the tail too (South Africa; 2007-07-11)

short legs; bright red legs and feet (South Africa; 2007-07-11)

white spots along wing edge as well as on tail (South Africa; 2007-07-11)

color and sheen depend on lighting conditions (South Africa; 2007-07-11)

inquisitive bird checking out a grill (South Africa; 2007-07-11)

posing for portrait; note the short legs, long bill (South Africa; 2007-07-11)