Picathartes

The picathartes, rockfowl or bald crows are a small genus of two passerine bird species within the family Picathartidae found in the rain-forests of tropical west and central Africa. They have unfeathered heads, and feed on insects and molluscs picked from damp rocky areas. Both species are totally non-migratory, being dependent on a specialised rocky jungle habitat.

These are lanky birds with crow-like bills, long neck, tail and legs, and strong feet adapted to terrestrial feeding. They are similar in size and structure to the completely unrelated roadrunners, but they hop rather than walk. They also have brightly coloured bald heads.

Picathartes breed colonially. The nest is made of mud attached to a cave roof or overhanging rock on a cliff. Two eggs are laid.

Both species are listed as Vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN.

Species of Picathartidae

• White-necked Rockfowl, Picathartes gymnocephalus
• Grey-necked Rockfowl, Picathartes oreas

References

• del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A. & Christie D. (editors). (2006). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 9788496553422

External links

• ARKive - Images and movies of the White-necked Rockfowl (Picathartes gymnocephalus)