About Phoeniculus purpureus (J.F.Miller, 1784)
Plumage and Body Coloration
This abundant bird species has a metallic dark green body, a purple back, and a very long, diamond-shaped purple tail. Distinctive white markings on the wings and white chevrons along the edges of the tail make it easy to identify, along with its long, thin, curved red bill.
Sexual and Immature Traits
Males and females look similar; immature individuals have a black bill instead.
Vocalizations
This species makes its presence known with a loud kuk-uk-uk-uk-uk call, along with other vocalizations.
Diet
The green wood hoopoe is an insect-eating species.
Feeding Behavior and Flocking
It feeds mostly on the ground, at termite mounds, or on tree trunks, and forms flocks when it is not breeding season.
Foraging Adaptations
Its specialized claws let it cling easily to the underside of branches while it closely inspects the bark for insect prey.
