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Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) — photo 1 of 7
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Hoopoes · Hornbills and hoopoes

Eurasian Hoopoe

Upupa epops

Summer visitor

Voice

Song

Latal

2:00

Call

Sonothèque ADVL

0:05

Song

steve

0:14

How to recognize it

  • 25–32 cm; cinnamon to rufous body

  • Black-and-white barred wings and tail with a broad white tail band

  • Long thin downcurved bill; tall fan-shaped crest

  • Undulating, butterfly-like flight; soft “oop-oop-oop” call

About the species

The Eurasian Hoopoe is easy to remember for its tall crest and long, downcurved bill. On the ground it looks purposeful and neat, and in flight it moves with a light, wavering rhythm.

It usually keeps to itself, walks quickly over open ground, and if startled may flatten itself low with wings and tail spread. Its call is plain but unmistakable — a soft, repeated “oop-oop-oop”.

It suits open places with scattered trees, including grasslands, pastures, gardens, and vineyards. It feeds mainly on insects and their larvae, picking food from the ground and also probing dung, rubbish heaps, and rotten wood; in warm areas it stays year-round, while some populations migrate for winter.

Where to find

  • On dry vacant lots, short lawns, and roadside edges — where Eurasian Hoopoe walks mostly alone, probing the ground for insects.

  • Beside old stone walls, bridge cracks, and abandoned buildings — look for one slipping into a crevice or pausing at a hole.

  • Along the edge of park lawns and sparse groves, especially early in the morning — the soft “oop-oop-oop” can carry from the canopy or the ground.

  • Near canal banks, pond edges, and damp low spots without tall grass — watch for it striding over bare soil and picking through refuse or dung.

Sources