From Opus

Upupa epops

Photo by Rajiv Lather.
Photo taken: Karnal, India.



Identification

The hoopoe is 25-29cm long, with a 44-48cm wingspan. This black, white and pink bird is quite unmistakable, especially in its erratic flight, which is like that of a giant butterfly. The crest is erectile, but is mostly kept closed. It walks on the ground like a starling.

Distribution

Widespread and generally common in southern Europe, Africa and much of Asia. In the Western Palearctic breeds from Iberia and most of France across Europe to the southern Urals, Caspian and Caucasus ranging north to Poland and the Baltic States. Scarce or absent from northern France to Denmark and in the uplands of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Breeds on most of the larger Mediterranean islands ,throughout Turkey, the Nile Delta and Valley and in North-West Africa. Small isolated outposts on Madeira and Canary Islands, the Ahaggar of south-east Algeria and in Israel and Jordan. Occasional breeder in some years in Britain and has bred in most northern European countries including Sweden and Finland but range and population fluctuate markedly.

In southern Iberia, North Africa and the Middle East the Hoopoe is a partial migrant or resident but elsewhere it is strongly migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa with small numbers perhaps around the Mediterranean. Main passage periods are Aug-Oct and Mar-May and migrants can be seen throughout Europe North Africa and the Middle East. A scarce migrant in Britain with less than 130 individuals seen in most years. Most occur in April-May and in southern England but regularly recorded north to Shetland.

Vagrants recorded on Svalbard, Iceland and the Faroes, the Azores and Cape Verde Islands. Accidental in Alaska.

Taxonomy

As well as the nominate which occurs over most of the western Palearctic the race major is found in Egypt, larger with stouter and longer bill, duller plumage, more streaked below and less white on wing and tail. In the Ahaggar of Algeria the resident race is senegalensis, smaller than nominate but otherwise very similar.

Habitat

Open woodland and cultivated country such as vineyards and orchards, parks and large gardens.

Behaviour

Nesting hoopoes are capable of squirting fecal matter at intruders.

Bird Song

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