Piapiac
A species of Piapiac Scientific name : Ptilostomus afer Genus : Piapiac
Piapiac, A species of Piapiac
Botanical name: Ptilostomus afer
Genus: Piapiac
Content
Description General Info
Description
In size it is a little smaller and slimmer than the European magpie (Pica pica) though the bill is relatively thicker. The overall colouring of the bird is black with the feathers quite silky in texture and having a purplish gloss in good light. The base of the tail tends to be more brown in colour than the rest of the body. The nasal plumes are somewhat upturned on top of the bill but fully cover the nostrils. The bill itself is black in the adult but partly reddish-pink towards the base in juvenile specimens. The bird's legs and feet are black and the iris is variable, but tends towards violet, purple or mauve with a bluish-purple outer ring. The voice is usually described as a shrill squeaking often with the jackdaw-like overtones. There is also a croaking alarm call given in anger where the head bobs. 
Size
42 cm
Feeding Habits
Piapiac forages in flocks, predominantly consuming insects, invertebrates, and some carrion, often near livestock. They also consume fruits, especially oil palm, and exhibit agile, opportunistic hunting behaviors, both on the ground and from perches on animals.
Habitat
The piapiac inhabits the savannas and woodlands with scattered trees across the tropical equatorial regions of central Africa. This species thrives in open areas that are heavily influenced by human activities, such as agricultural lands, pastures, and the outskirts of villages and towns. It is also commonly found in grassy areas with stands of Borassus and Hyphaene palms, including locations like golf courses and airfields. The piapiac is adaptable to a range of elevations from sea level up to 1500 meters.
Dite type
Granivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The range of the species is the tropical equatorial region of central Africa from Senegal on the west coast, eastwards in a broad band to Sudan and southern Ethiopia. Within this range, its favoured habitat is towards more open country of cultivated land with fields and pasture and small associated towns and villages.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Crows and jays Genus
Piapiac Species
Piapiac 
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