Eurasian Hoopoe

Description

The striking Eurasian hoopoe with its cheeky helmet is seen in summer in Europe as far up as Scandinavia. It is the bird of wisdom in many ancient tales.

Appearance

The back is striped in black and white, the high crest of the head is also marked in black on a yellow and beige ground, and the beak is long and slightly curved. The bird is 28-30 centimetres long. It is often seen on pasture with short grass or in a sparse grove.

Similar bird

The Eurasian Hoopoe is quite distinctive in appearance, but the hoarse warning sound may resemble a laughing gull or nutcracker.

Sounds and songs

The typical song is three short po-po-po's, as the sonorous Latin name attempts to mimic. It also has a short, shrill warning sound.

Food

Insects and worms are the main food of the Eurasian Hoopoe.

Nest

The Eurasian Hoopoe settles in cavities in trees or walls, lining the nest with dry grass. Sometimes, it may even nest in a burrow.

Distribution

It is a summer guest in Europe, but winters in Africa. There is also an African and an Asian branch of the Eurasian Hoopoe.

Summer  Resident  Winter