My thanks again go to Christelle for these fabulous photos of the Green Wood hoopoes (Phoeniculus purpureus), formally known as the Red-billed Wood Hoopoe, photos taken in the Eastern Cape. It forages on trees, running up and down trunks and branches locating food, usually insects but also reptiles, amphibians and seeds. It nests in pre-existing cavities and lays 2-5 eggs, which are incubated for 17-18 days. The chicks are fed by helpers, as well as the breeding male and stay in the nest for 28-30 days. By 3-4 weeks after leaving the nest, they can fly strongly, and they are fully independent 2-3 months after fledging. The adults have the red bill, the youngsters still have black bills but these will soon change.
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These are incredible birds. Such long beaks. The babies are downy. Cuties. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Marie, they are interesting birds and Christelle has captured some great shots.
DeleteBest wishes and keep safe Diane
Fabulous photos Diane. The youngsters with the adults is quite a coup photo. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteChristelle is lucky, many birds appear to come to their garden and she had a great little camera.
DeleteHope all is well with you, Diane
Hi Diane - gosh what amazing photos Christelle sent you ... loved seeing them. Amazing bill and feet ... and I've never seen one of these beauties ... fabulous ... thank you - stay safe in your lockdown ... all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilary, I have seen these birds but never lucky enough to see the babies being fed, Christelle has taken a great series here.
DeleteI am wondering if we will ever get out of lockdown, coming up to 12 months now and no sign of things improving.
Take care and stay safe, Diane
Oh my goodness Diane. These birds are absolutely astonishing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing the photos with us at IRBB.
Hi Anni, Yes they are certainly different and Christelle has done a great job of capturing them. Thanks for hosting, stay safe, Diane
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