Rallying to the cackle of this raucous bird

The gregarious and territorial Green Wood-hoopoe, also known as the Red-billed Wood-hoopoe, is extremely vocal and is often heard before it is seen. And for very good reason,

- Mike Burgess

In isiXhosa, the Green Wood-hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) is referred to as Intlekibafazi, which means ‘laughing women.’ It is a charmingly accurate description of the cackling calls of these mainly insectivorous birds that move through sub-Saharan African woodlands and forests in flocks of up to 14 in search of sustenance.

Green Wood-hoopoes employ a co-operative breeding strategy. Only one monogamous pair within the flock breeds, while the rest of the birds help to feed the alpha female and raise and protect the chicks (later fledglings) over a period of about three months.

Fiercely territorial, these birds are famous for their noisy confrontations when flocks meet along well-defined territorial frontiers.

Researchers have shown that during these vocal showdowns, complex communication is shared between flocks via short or extended contests that have different outcomes.

ASSESSING SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Vocal rallying contests between flocks of Green Wood-Hoopoes is a way that these birds can assess possible weaknesses and opportunities in opposing flocks, including breeding vacancies.