Rhinopomastus minor (Rüppell, 1845)

Taxonomic Naming

Rhinopomastus minor (Rüppell, 1845) is a bird species with entirely black plumage covered in blue-purple iridescence that is most prominent on the back of the head.

Beak Morphology

Its beak ranges from bright orange to red, and is characteristically curved, pointed, and slightly longer than the length of its head. This beak shape is adapted for probing cracks and crevices to find insects.

Distinguishing Features

It can be distinguished from other wood hoopoes by its all black legs and shorter tail, which matches the length of the bird’s body when the head is excluded.

Common Habitat Type

This species is most commonly found in open bushy dry savanna habitats.

Altitude and Thorn Scrub Habitat

It is an uncommon resident in thorn scrub habitats at low altitudes below 1400 meters; thorn scrub is an intermediate biome between desert and tropical forest.

Subspecies Distribution

Two subspecies occupy separate ranges across Africa: Rhinopomastus minor minor occurs along the eastern edge of the continent from Ethiopia to Somalia and Kenya, while Rhinopomastus minor cabsanisi occurs further west, from Sudan to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Breeding Range Latitude

The species’ breeding range centers around the equator, spanning between -9.01 and 11.78 degrees latitude.

Total Range Characteristics

Its total territorial range covers approximately 20,000 square kilometers, though this range is heavily fragmented.

Conservation Status

Though the population is declining, the decline rate is only 5% across three generations, so the species is classified as least concern.

Mating and Nesting System

This bird is a monogamous solitary nester.

Reproductive Parameters

Individuals first breed at an average age of 1.23 years, and average clutch size is 2 eggs.

Survival and Generation Metrics

Adult annual survival rate is 0.66, and average generation length is 2.89 years.

Nest Location Type

Nests are typically built in holes or fissures, which are sometimes excavated by other species.

Nest Site Details

Nest sites include tree holes and occasionally abandoned beehives, placed around 0.5 to 2 meters above the ground.

Subspecies Breeding Season

The cabanisi subspecies has a strong preference for breeding during the dry season.