Species Profile
Hoopoe
Upupa epops
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
25–32 cm
Weight
46–89 g
Wingspan
44–48 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Eurasian Hoopoe, Common Hoopoe
Think you've spotted a Hoopoe?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Hoopoe is a striking bird with a pinkish-brown body, black and white striped wings, and a distinctive fan-like crest. Its long, curved bill is perfect for probing the ground for insects. The crest usually lies flat but raises when the bird is excited or alarmed.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles appearing duller. The Hoopoe's plumage remains consistent year-round, with no seasonal changes.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Pink
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Hoopoes inhabit many open habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, farmlands, and urban parks across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They prefer areas with bare or short-grass patches for foraging.
Hoopoes are summer visitors to many countries in Europe, migrating to Africa for winter. They are rare but regular visitors to the UK, typically during spring migration.
Distribution
Diet
Hoopoes primarily feed on insects and their larvae, particularly fond of mole crickets and beetle grubs. They use their long, curved bills to probe the soil and leaf litter, extracting prey precisely. Occasionally, they may also eat small reptiles, seeds, or berries.
Behaviour
Hoopoes are often seen walking or running on the ground, using their long bills to probe for food. They are generally solitary birds but may form small groups outside the breeding season. When threatened, Hoopoes can produce a foul-smelling secretion as a defence mechanism.
Calls & Sounds
The Hoopoe's call is a distinctive, soft 'hoop-hoop-hoop' or 'oop-oop-oop', repeated 2-5 times. This vocalisation gives the bird its common name in many languages. During courtship, males may produce a raspy, frog-like sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Hoopoes form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, typically from April to July. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, fanning their crests and singing to attract females.
Nests are built in tree cavities, rock crevices, or man-made structures. The female lays 5-8 pale blue eggs that turn olive-brown over time. No nesting material is used, creating a notoriously smelly nest.
Incubation lasts about 15-18 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 26-29 days but remain dependent on adults for several weeks.
Conservation
While the Hoopoe is listed as Least Concern globally, it faces localised threats from habitat loss and pesticide use. In some European countries, conservation efforts focus on providing nesting boxes and preserving traditional farmland habitats to support Hoopoe populations.
Elevation
Up to 3,650 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Hoopoes face predation from various birds of prey, including sparrowhawks and falcons. Ground predators such as foxes and cats may also pose a threat, especially to nesting birds.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Hoopoes in open areas with short grass or bare ground
- Listen for their distinctive 'hoop-hoop-hoop' call
- Watch for their butterfly-like flight pattern with irregular wing beats
- Often, when landing, hoopoes will momentarily raise their fan-shaped crest
- Hoopoes can often be found laying on the ground sunbathing!
- In the UK, Hoopoes are rare visitors, most likely to be seen during spring migration
Did You Know?
- The Hoopoe is the national bird of Israel, having been chosen from tens of thousands of votes in 2008.
- Ancient Egyptians considered the Hoopoe sacred and depicted it in their hieroglyphics.
- Hoopoes can rotate their eyes in their sockets, allowing them to keep watch for predators while probing for food.
- Hoopoes are now split into three separate species: African, Madagascan and Eurasian. Hoopoes have even been found on Everest! They are best suited to warm temperatures and areas with low-intensity farming with minimum pesticide usage.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Hoopoe
Upload a PhotoSimilar Species
Related Articles
Identify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species