Species group · Birds

Rockfowls

WAnimals has 2 species of rockfowl, all in the family Picathartidae.

2 species
1 family
10 countries
12 parks
Weight
200 g – 250 g
Length
33 cm – 41 cm
Lifespan
15 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 2.

All 2 species of rockfowls on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

2 Vulnerable

2 especies in this group están en alguna categoría de riesgo real según la UICN.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 10 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • It depends literally on rock: it attaches its mud nest to the walls of caves and granite overhangs within the forest, and where there are no outcrops the species is absent, however good the woodland.

    From Grey-necked Rockfowl

  • It follows army ant columns to catch the invertebrates fleeing the swarm, a technique it shares with several African forest birds.

    From Grey-necked Rockfowl

  • It is one of only two species in its family, a lineage so isolated that for decades ornithologists did not know which group to place it with.

    From Grey-necked Rockfowl

  • Its bare yellow head with two black patches gives it so unusual a look that for decades ornithologists did not know which family to place it with: today it forms a family of its own with a single sister species.

    From White-necked Rockfowl

  • It follows army ant columns to catch the invertebrates fleeing the swarm, a hunting technique it shares with several African forest birds.

    From White-necked Rockfowl

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one