Black-billed Woodhoopoe Bird Details
Phoeniculus somaliensis
Black-billed Woodhoopoe
NA
William Robert Ogilvie-Grant, 1901
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Phoeniculidae
Phoeniculus
Somalia, Southern Ethiopia and Northern Kenya.
Appearance :
The Black-billed Woodhoopoe has striking black plumage with a distinctive long, curved black bill. It typically has white markings on the wings and tail, and the eyes are pale yellow.
Behaviour :
These birds are known for their social behavior, often seen in small groups or family units. They are active and vocal, engaging in cooperative breeding and foraging.
Habitat :
They inhabit dry thornbush and acacia woodlands, preferring areas with scattered trees and shrubs.
Diet :
Their diet primarily consists of insects, including ants, beetles, and caterpillars. They also feed on fruits and occasionally small reptiles.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found in eastern Africa, specifically in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
Population Size :
Not readily available.
Life Span :
Live up to a 10 years or more.
Body And Tarsus:
- The Black-billed Woodhoopoe has a sleek, slender body with glossy black plumage and white markings on the wings and tail.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4-5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is small in proportion to the body, with a pale-yellow eye.
- Bill Length: The bill is long and curved, typically around 5-6 cm in length.
Length :
About 40-50 cm from beak to tail.
Neck :
The neck is relatively long and slender, blending into the body seamlessly.
Size :
Medium-sized bird, characterized by its slender build and long tail.
Tail Details :
- The tail is long and graduated, extending beyond the body.
- Tail length: Approximately 20-25 cm.
Weight :
Around 80-120 grams.
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, suitable for agile flight through wooded habitats.
Wing Span :
Approximately 20-30 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Black-billed Woodhoopoe has a distinctive facial appearance with a long, curved black bill and pale-yellow eyes.
Nest Details :
- The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of twigs, leaves, and grasses, lined with softer materials like feathers or fur.
- Nest Made Up Of: Twigs, leaves, grasses, and lined with softer materials like feathers or fur.
Breeding Season :
Typically, from March to June.
Nesting Season :
During the breeding period.
Egg Color :
White or creamy-white with sparse markings.
Egg Length :
Around 2-3 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 1.5-2 cm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs about 5-10 grams.
Clutch Size :
Lays 2-4 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
One brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Around 18-20 days, primarily done by the female
Nestling Period :
About 4 weeks before fledging.
Vocalization :
They are known for their loud, raucous calls which are often heard during group activities, serving to communicate within the flock.
Sex Demorphism :
Males and females appear similar in plumage and size.
Migration Details :
They are non-migratory birds.
