Green Wood Hoopoe

Phoeniculus purpureus

Least ConcernUncommonInvertebratesWoodlandCavity nestMedium · 73 g

About the Green Wood Hoopoe

The green wood hoopoe is a large, up to 44 cm (17 in) long tropical bird native to Africa. It is a member of the family Phoeniculidae, the wood hoopoes, and was formerly known as the red-billed wood hoopoe.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

This abundant species is a metallic dark green, with a purple back and very long diamond-shaped purple tail. Distinctive white markings on the wings and white chevrons on the tail edges make it easily identifiable, as does its long, thin, curved red bill. Sexes are similar, but immatures have a black bill. It advertises its presence with its loud kuk-uk-uk-uk-uk call and other vocalisations.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Green Wood Hoopoe sounds like

Recording: paulo kivuyo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Green Wood Hoopoe for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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