White-headed Woodhoopoe
Phoeniculus bollei
Odd, long-tailed, slender-billed bird. There is some geographical variation, but the face always shows some white, except in juvenile birds. Note the red bill and legs. Found in humid forest. Always in groups, usually of 5-10 members. The distinctive call is a quick, dry rattling, given by a whole group in chorus. Similar to Forest Woodhoopoe, but easily separated by the red bill and legs. Separated from scimitarbills by the white face and the less curved bill.
Identification
Phoeniculus bollei can reach approximately a body length of 30–35 cm (12–14 in). The female is smaller and has a much shorter bill. These birds show a combination of a white head, a slightly curved bright red beak and red legs and feet, quite different from other species of the family. The iridescent plumage is dark blue or violet-blu. The wings have a purple-copper luster.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Phoeniculus bollei
- Authority
- (Hartlaub, 1858)
- Order
- Bucerotiformes
- Family
- Phoeniculidae
- Genus
- Phoeniculus
Range and habitat
Phoeniculus bollei can be found in Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. These birds inhabit from sea level up to 3,200 m (10,500 ft), mainly in savannas and dry flowland and in montane primary forest, but they are also found in regenerating forests, as well as in deciduous woodlands.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Spotted Forktail
Enicurus maculatus
Stunning galaxy-like white spotting on the back separates this species from all other forktails. Picks its way through well-shaded forest streams and creeks, particularly in rocky areas; breeds in foothills and mountains, but sometimes descends in the winter. Frequently gives a loud buzzy “brzeeee!” as well as high thin whistles.
Elfin Myzomela
Myzomela adolphinae
A tiny honeyeater of mid-montane forest canopy and villages. Brown with a whitish belly and fairly short curved bill. Female has just a reddish smudge in the base of the bill and male a scarlet hood and rump with black wings and back. Male is unmistakable. Female is similar to other species, but smaller and only has red on the chin. Similar size to a flowerpecker, but Elfin has a longer, more curved bill. Song, a whistled “chew chew-daloo” and call a simple “tsip”.
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Zanda latirostris
Black cockatoo with white ear patch and white tail panel, found in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, where it inhabits a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, pine plantations, farmland, and urban parks. The very similar Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo has much longer upper mandible. Calls include mournful, wailing cries, as well as loud, rough screeches.
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