The forest wood hoopoe is a species of bird in the family Phoeniculidae. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Region
West and Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Guineo-Congolian forest belt from West Africa through the Congo Basin to western East Africa. Inhabits primary lowland rainforest, mature secondary forest, gallery forest, and forest edges. Often forages along large trunks, lianas, and fallen logs, and will use disturbed forest if large trees remain. Frequently associated with riparian corridors and humid evergreen forest.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Forest wood hoopoes live in tight-knit family groups that practice cooperative breeding, with older offspring helping raise new chicks. They defend territories with loud, synchronized choruses and tail-flagging displays. Their long, decurved red bill is adapted for probing bark, dead wood, and epiphytes for hidden insects. They nest in natural cavities in large trees within mature forest.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Forms cooperative groups that forage together and roost communally. Nests in tree cavities, with helpers assisting in feeding and territory defense. Pairs are monogamous, and groups perform communal displays including tail fanning and bill dueling.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, cackling choruses delivered antiphonally by the whole group, often at dawn and during territorial encounters. Calls include rapid kek-kek-kek sequences and rattling notes that carry through the forest.
Plumage
Glossy, iridescent green-blue body with a purplish sheen; head and neck rich chestnut; long, graduated tail with white spots on the tips of outer feathers.
Diet
Primarily takes arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, termites, ants, spiders, and other invertebrates pried from bark, crevices, and epiphytes. Uses its decurved bill to probe under loose bark and into rotten wood. Occasionally consumes small snails and will take fruit or nectar opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages on large tree trunks, branches, and fallen logs in humid forest. Often works mid-story to lower canopy and along forest edges, including riparian strips and old-growth remnants.
