The Green wood-hoopoe is a relatively common African bird, closely related to hoopoes and hornbills. It is relatively large and can grow up to 44 centimetres (17.5 in) long. The bill of a nearly adult bird, like the one on the left in the picture, is long and thin, curved down with distinct red markings (it eventually turns completely red). The bill of a juvenile bird, like the one on the right, is completely black. This is probably a pair of siblings. Note the long tail, which has been called "diamond-shaped", and the bright red feet.