The piapiac is an African bird in the crow family, and is the only member of the genus Ptilostomus. It is most closely related to the Central Asian ground jays.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found across the Sahel and Sudanian savannas from West Africa east to the Nile Valley and parts of East-Central Africa. It frequents open woodland, park-like savanna, riverine trees, palm groves, and cultivated farmland. The species readily associates with human-modified landscapes and follows herds of cattle and wild ungulates. It avoids dense rainforest and the most arid desert interiors. Often seen near watercourses and pasture edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The piapiac is a small African corvid and the sole member of the genus Ptilostomus, most closely related to the ground jays. It often follows large mammals and livestock, riding on their backs to pick off insects and ticks. Its name echoes its sharp, chattering call. Like many corvids, it is intelligent and opportunistic around human settlements.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, often accompanying herds of cattle or wild game. Nests are built in trees, commonly palms, as bulky stick structures where pairs raise small clutches. Birds roost communally and may cooperate in mobbing predators. Territoriality is moderate around nest sites but otherwise they are tolerant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, chattering notes and rasping calls, often rendered as a repeated pi-a-piac that gives the species its name. Calls are delivered in quick sequences during social interactions and when alarmed.
Plumage
Glossy black plumage with a purplish to greenish sheen; long, graduated tail and sleek body.
Diet
Primarily eats insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, locusts, termites, and flies, often taken from the ground or from the backs of livestock. It also consumes other invertebrates, small vertebrates, carrion scraps, grains, and fruits such as oil-palm nuts. The species is opportunistic, foraging around settlements, fields, and roadkill.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open savanna, pastures, field margins, and along riverbanks, frequently near herds of cattle and wild ungulates. Often forages on the ground or low vegetation and may perch on large mammals to glean ectoparasites.
