Rockfowl

The picathartes, also known as rockfowl or bald crows, comprise two unique bird species native to the tropical rainforests of western and central Africa. These noticeable birds display distinctive unfeathered heads and feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates found in moist, rocky environments. Neither species migrates, as they rely on their specialized rocky jungle habitats. Unfortunately, both are considered vulnerable to extinction. Although their taxonomic classification has been historically challenging, with previous placements ranging from babblers to crows, recent molecular studies suggest they are closely related to the crows, sitting near the boundary between the main passerine suborders. The picathartes genus name is derived from Latin words for "magpie" and "vulture." As relatively large passerines, they have a black bill, long necks, tails, legs, and their plumage features a contrasting mix of white and greyish colors, with variations in neck color distinguishing the two species. Adapted for terrestrial life with sturdy feet and grey legs, they bound along forest floors rather than engage in extended flights. Their generalist feeding habits include hunting a variety of prey from insects to small vertebrates, and they breed in pairs or small colonies, using mud to construct nests on cliffs or in caves. These birds can be found from Guinea to the Central African Republic within lowland rainforests up to 800 meters of elevation, requiring specific conditions such as forest litter and rocky areas suitable for nesting.