Hoopoes · Hornbills and hoopoes
Eurasian Hoopoe
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Upupa epops
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Voice
Song
Call
Song
How to recognize it
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25–29 cm long
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Rusty-pink head and breast; crest with black tips, usually folded
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Black-and-white wing stripes; broad white band across the black tail
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Long, thin bill curving down; repeated soft call "oop-oop-oop"
About the species
Warm cinnamon feathers cover the head, breast, and back, set off by bold black-and-white stripes across the rounded wings. An orange crest tipped in black lies flat most of the time, then opens into a fan when it lands. Its long, narrow bill curves down, and a broad white band cuts across the dark tail. The warmer underparts are marked with fine dark bars along the sides.
Across open ground, it moves quickly in short strides, stopping to probe the soil with its bill. Its soft call comes in repeated groups of three: "oop-oop-oop." It sometimes tosses a catch into the air, catches it, and swallows it.
It feeds mainly on insects and their larvae in grasslands, savannas, woodland clearings, orchards, and vineyards. Tree holes, rock crevices, and gaps in walls can all serve as nest sites. In northern parts of its range, it moves south for winter, while populations in Africa stay year-round.
Where to find
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In settlements within its range, look by refuse heaps for a Eurasian Hoopoe striding over the ground and probing the rubbish for insects.
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During the breeding season, watch adults carry food into cavities in stone or clay walls.
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On low-grass pasture beside grazing livestock, watch for quick steps and pauses as a long bill probes the soil for insects.