Though I saw my true “spark bird” at the young age of six, I must credit the Hoopoe with reinvigorating my passion for birds at an adult age.
- Hoopoe, Upupa epops
Common Name: Hoopoe; Upupa
Latin Name: Upupa epops
Range: Europe, Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Madagascar.
Habitat: Found in a wide range of ecosystems including heathland, wooded steppes, savannahs, grasslands and forests. Commonly found in olive groves, orchards, vineyards, parklands, and farmlands.
Diet: Mostly insects. Occasionally eats small reptiles, amphibians, seeds and berries.
- Hungry, hungry, Hoopoe!!!
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
Hip Hoopoe Happenings!
- Hoopoes are represented in several mythologies, including Egyptian, Arabic, and Greek.
- Hoopoes are protected under the law in several countries. Their insect-based diet makes them highly susceptible to the use of pesticides.
- Hoopoes have foul smelling nests reminiscent of rotting meat. It is believed this is to detour predators as well as attract insects for food.
- Eurasian hoopoe, male feeding female in courtship display.
Happy Birding!
Danielle + Michelle
