Violet Woodhoopoe Bird Details
Phoeniculus damarensis
Violet Woodhoopoe
NA
Wilhelm Peters, in 1868
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Phoeniculidae
Phoeniculus
Namibia, Angola, Botswana, and parts of South Africa.
Appearance :
The Violet Woodhoopoe is known for its long, slightly curved bill and metallic purple-black plumage, which shines in light. It has a long tail with white-tipped feathers.
Behaviour :
Highly social and often found in small groups or pairs. These birds are territorial and use vocal calls to communicate within groups.
Habitat :
Prefers dry, open woodlands and savannahs, especially in areas with large trees and scattered bushes.
Diet :
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects, larvae, and occasionally small vertebrates. They use their long bills to probe for food in bark crevices and tree holes.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found in southwestern Africa, particularly in Namibia, Angola, and parts of Botswana.
Population Size :
Exact population size unknown but considered stable.
Life Span :
Estimated lifespan is around 10 to 12 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Violet Woodhoopoe has a long, slender body with a metallic sheen to its feathers, primarily dark violet or purple.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 2 cm (exact measurements may vary).
Head And Bill :
- Head: Small to medium-sized, with iridescent dark plumage.
- Eyes: Dark brown or black eyes, positioned slightly forward on the head.
- Bill: Long, slightly curved, and adapted for probing; reddish in adults.
- Bill Length: Around 4-5 cm.
Length :
30-38 cm in total length.
Neck :
Short and sturdy, blending into the body without distinct separation.
Size :
Medium-sized bird, around 30-38 cm in length.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and slightly graduated, with a fan-shaped appearance when spread.
- Tail Length: Around 15-20 cm.
- Feathers: Glossy, iridescent feathers that appear violet or purple in different lighting.
Weight :
Roughly 50-70 grams.
Wing :
Rounded wings that are designed more for maneuverability in wooded habitats than for long-distance flight.
Wing Span :
40-45 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Violet Woodhoopoe has a relatively simple facial appearance with a long, slightly curved red beak, dark eyes, and an iridescent purple head.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Typically, the Violet Woodhoopoe uses natural tree cavities or abandoned holes in trees made by woodpeckers. They don’t build elaborate nests but use available cavities for breeding.
- Nest made up of: The cavity is lined with soft materials like leaves, bark, and feathers to create a comfortable space for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
Typically during the rainy season in southern Africa, varying slightly by region (August to February).
Nesting Season :
Violet Woodhoopoes nest in tree cavities, usually starting in late spring to early summer (September to December, depending on the region).
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually white or pale blue.
Egg Length :
Approximately 2.3 – 3.0 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 1.8 – 2.2 cm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 6 – 8 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically, 3 to 5 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Usually one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 15-18 days
Nestling Period :
The chicks remain in the nest for 26-30 days after hatching before they fledge.
Vocalization :
Known for their loud, cackling calls used for communication within their social group. The call often sounds like rapid “kek-kek-kek” notes, increasing in tempo.
Sex Demorphism :
Male may have a slightly longer bill and slightly larger body size.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern: Generally non-migratory. These birds are sedentary and remain within their established territories year-round.
