Violet Wood Hoopoe

The Violet Wood Hoopoe, known scientifically as Phoeniculus damarensis, is a striking bird belonging to the Phoeniculidae family. It boasts a distinctive red beak and a green throat, complemented by a mantle adorned with iridescent coppery and violet feathers that shimmer in the sunlight.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Violet Wood Hoopoe, look for its vibrant red beak and the greenish hue on its throat. The bird's mantle feathers exhibit a unique iridescence, transitioning between copper and violet tones. This species is similar in appearance to the Black-billed Wood Hoopoe but can be distinguished by its colorful beak and throat.

Habitat

The Violet Wood Hoopoe is typically found in the Angolan mopane woodlands, a habitat characterized by the mopane tree, which dominates the woodland landscape.

Distribution

This species has a range that extends across several African countries, including Angola, Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania, where it can be observed living and foraging.

Behaviour

While specific behaviors of the Violet Wood Hoopoe are not detailed here, one can infer that, like other hoopoes, it is likely to be an active forager, possibly engaging in social activities with others of its kind.

Similar Species

The Violet Wood Hoopoe can be confused with the Black-billed Wood Hoopoe. However, the latter lacks the red beak and green throat, which are distinctive features of the Violet Wood Hoopoe.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Violet Wood Hoopoe as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.