Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Green Wood Hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus)
Green Wood Hoopoe

Green Wood Hoopoe

Phoeniculus purpureus

The green wood hoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus, is a striking bird native to the African continent. It is a large species, reaching up to 44 cm in length, and is adorned with a lustrous metallic dark green plumage. The bird's back is a resplendent purple, and it boasts a remarkably long, diamond-shaped tail of the same hue. Its wings are marked with distinctive white patterns, and the tail edges are decorated with white chevrons, making it a sight to behold.

Identification Tips

Upon sighting, one can identify the green wood hoopoe by its long, thin, and curved red bill, which is a prominent feature against its dark plumage. Both sexes appear similar, though the immature birds can be distinguished by their black bills. The white markings on the wings and tail are key identifiers for this species.

Habitat

The green wood hoopoe is a common resident of sub-Saharan Africa's forests, woodlands, and even suburban gardens, where it can be seen foraging and socializing in groups.

Distribution

This bird has a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, with its presence noted from Senegal to South Africa. It is divided into six recognized subspecies, each occupying different geographical regions within the continent.

Behaviour

The green wood hoopoe is known for its social nature, often found in flocks that can number up to a dozen individuals. Only one pair within these groups breeds, while the others assist in communal activities. Its behavior is characterized by its loud and distinctive kuk-uk-uk-uk-uk call, which can be heard echoing through its habitat.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the green wood hoopoe is quite notable, with its chattering calls serving as a form of communication among the flock members. These calls are an integral part of the bird's social interactions.

Breeding

Exhibiting cooperative breeding behavior, the green wood hoopoe nests in natural tree holes or old barbet nests. The breeding female lays two to four blue eggs and incubates them for approximately 18 days. Remarkably, the entire group participates in feeding and defending the nestlings, a testament to their communal nature.

Similar Species

The green wood hoopoe can be confused with the black-billed wood hoopoe (Phoeniculus somaliensis) and the violet wood hoopoe (Phoeniculus damarensis), though it is sometimes considered conspecific with these species.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous bird, the green wood hoopoe primarily feeds on insects found on the ground, termite mounds, or tree trunks. Its specialized claws allow it to cling to branches with ease as it inspects bark for its prey.

Conservation Status

The green wood hoopoe is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating that it is widespread and common within its extensive range.

Green Wood Hoopoe Sounds

β€Œ
Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Green Wood Hoopoe Fun Facts

Did you know?
Green Wood Hoopoes form groups of up to a dozen during the breeding season, with only a single breeding pair. When chicks hatch all the birds in a group help to raise the young.

Green Wood Hoopoes on Birda

Sightings

More Wood Hoopoes

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright Β© 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.