Phoeniculus purpureus purpureus

(Miller, 1784)

Vernacular names
English : Green woodhoopoe
French : Irrisor moqueur

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Bucerotiformes
Family : Phoeniculidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 40 cm in length for a weight of 99 g. Long graduated tail, small red legs with powerful claw, long slighlty decurved red bill (for this subspecies). Plumage is dark with green iridescence. Tail is iridescent blue with white feather tips.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in subsaharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, south to Angola and eastern half of South-Africa. Subspecies endemic to South Africa. Lives in savannas, open woodlands, grasslands and open forests, to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is widespread and common. Destruction and pollution of its habitat, especially near watercourses has led to population crashes.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Diergaarde Blijdorp (Netherlands), Weltvogelpark Walsrode (Germany)

 

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