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;Ptilostomus afer | ;Ptilostomus afer | ||
[[Image:Piapiac.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by IanE]] | [[Image:Piapiac.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by IanE]] | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
− | + | Black, purple gloss, silky feathers, black bill, legs and feet. | |
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==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
− | + | Central [[Africa]] from [[Senegal]] on the west coast, eastwards in a broad band to [[Sudan]] and southern [[Ethiopia]]. | |
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
The Piapiac (Ptilostomus afer) is a member of the crow family, and is the only member of the genus Ptilostomus. According to recent findings, it is most closely related to the Central Asian ground jays (Ericson et al., 2005). | The Piapiac (Ptilostomus afer) is a member of the crow family, and is the only member of the genus Ptilostomus. According to recent findings, it is most closely related to the Central Asian ground jays (Ericson et al., 2005). | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
− | + | Cultivated land with fields and pasture and small associated towns and villages. | |
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
− | + | Diet includes insects, invertebrates, carrion, fruit. | |
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+ | Their build their nests in trees, often a palm, and use palm leaves, grass stems, and mud to form a cup which is lined with palm fibre. 3-7 pale blue eggs are laid. | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
*[http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php?mcats=all&what=allfields&si=Ptilostomus+afer+ View more images of Piapiac in the gallery] | *[http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php?mcats=all&what=allfields&si=Ptilostomus+afer+ View more images of Piapiac in the gallery] | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] |
Revision as of 21:24, 30 September 2007
- Ptilostomus afer
Identification
Black, purple gloss, silky feathers, black bill, legs and feet.
Distribution
Central Africa from Senegal on the west coast, eastwards in a broad band to Sudan and southern Ethiopia.
Taxonomy
The Piapiac (Ptilostomus afer) is a member of the crow family, and is the only member of the genus Ptilostomus. According to recent findings, it is most closely related to the Central Asian ground jays (Ericson et al., 2005).
Habitat
Cultivated land with fields and pasture and small associated towns and villages.
Behaviour
Diet includes insects, invertebrates, carrion, fruit.
Their build their nests in trees, often a palm, and use palm leaves, grass stems, and mud to form a cup which is lined with palm fibre. 3-7 pale blue eggs are laid.