Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops, Linnaeus, 1758)
Length: 26 to 28cm Wingspan: 44 to 48cm Weight: 60 to 75g
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
Family: Upupidae (Leach, 1820)
The male’s head crest is larger than the females, both sexes will open up their crests if alarmed, the crest lies backwards, while the bird is resting.
The Hoopoe bird, is widespread across the mid to southern countries of Europe, Also, widespread across the warmer countries of Asia and into the African countries. Rarer the further north you go, from central Europe.
Three separate species of the Hoopoe bird exist, the Eurasian Hoopoe, (Ranges from mid - Southern Spain down into central Africa and far east, into the Asian countries). Madagascar Hoopoe (Upupa marginata) that ranges from mid - Spain to central Europe and the African Hoopoe (Upupa Africana) ranges from mid - Africa to Southern Africa. The African Hoopoe lacks the white band on the crest and has a slightly darker cinnamon colouration, on its upper plumage.
Wide range of habitats: Open Forests, woodland edges, grasslands, parks, suburban gardens, bare or lightly vegetated scrubland, orchards, golf courses, farmlands, heathlands, especially ground that is ideal for foraging on, as the hoopoe bird spends a lot of its time on the ground, probing for various insects and other invertebrates, such as worms. Occasionally will search for food from vertical structures that contain cracks and crevasses, such as trees, cliff faces and various man-made weather- worn buildings that are also harbouring insects and small reptiles. They will also eat small snakes, frogs, seeds and berries in small quantities. Some larger insects like grass hoppers and beetles will be beaten on the ground, (sometimes a large stone will be used) to remove the hard to digest parts, like wings and legs. The Hoopoe’s diet also consists of the “Processionary Moth,” which is a serious health pest to humans, (while in caterpillar form) because of this, in many countries the Hoopoe bird is protected in many countries.
The Hoopoe will take advantage to nest in abandoned rabbit burrows, excavated along raised embankments, nest boxes, holes in trees and walls. sometimes will nest in social groups with other hoopoe birds. Nests are mainly lined with various grasses, debris of various kinds including dried manure. Hoopoes nests are badly maintained by the adults, due to the lack of removing droppings, which causes a very smelly environment. The female will typically lay between 5 to 8 eggs; blue/green in colour, soon turning brown. Incubation takes 14 to 20 days (depending on temperature) Once hatched the chicks will fledge between 26 to 32 days. Both parents feed the young, usually the male bird will be the first parent to bring the food to the nest, he also feeds the female, while she is incubating the eggs. Hoopoes defence against predators, is to produce a foul-smelling odour, similar to rotting meat. Both parent and young produce this secretion by releasing liquid from the uropygial gland. (This gland is at the rear end of the bird) This liquid is released into the plumage by rubbing and ruffling up their feathers; this helps to deter predators as well as many parasites. April to July, 1 to 2 broods a year. (In southern Spain)
The Hoopoe has a distinctive call, sounding similar to “Hooo Pooo”. (Obviously name derives from) this is repeated 3 to 5 times. The Hoopoe were considered sacred in Ancient Egypt, which is reflected by images of them on the walls of tombs and temples.