ID Keys: Prominent crest; long downcurved bill; pinkish-brown
plumage on head, breast, and back; dark and light barred wings; long
tail
The
Eurasian Hoopoe is a bird of the Old World, with a range that covers much of
Europe, southern Asia, and parts of Africa. In North America, they are
extremely rare vagrants. At the time of this writing, there was one known
sighting in the Yukon Delta of Alaska in 1975.
The Eurasian Hoopoe is recognized by its cinnamon-colored plumage, bold black-and-white wings, and striking fan-shaped crest. It inhabits open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, agricultural areas, orchards, and parks where suitable nesting cavities are available. Hoopoes feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates, probing the ground with their long, curved bills to locate beetles, larvae, crickets, and worms. Their flight is undulating and butterfly-like, making them easy to identify even at a distance. During the breeding season, they nest in tree cavities, rock crevices, walls, or other sheltered openings, often reusing favored sites. The species is known for its soft, repetitive oop-oop-oop call, which gives the bird both its common and scientific names.
Habitat
Found in a variety of open settings, Eurasian Hoopoe are often seen around human habitation, such as in parks, suburban settings, orchards, and vineyards. In general, in their range they are found where open spaces are available for foraging, and cavities are available for nesting.
Diet
Feeds on insects, spiders, snails, and other small invertebrates. Opportunistic, they will also take small vertebrates such as small lizards, snakes, and small rodents. They will also sometimes feed on seeds and berries.
Behavior
Foraging is primarily down on the ground, gleaning insects from vegetation or the ground, or using its long bill to probe under the surface. Despite the large size and long bill, they also can be adept at capturing insects in mid-air.
Nesting
The nest of a Eurasian Hoopoe is in a cavity, often an old woodpecker hole or other tree cavity, but they will also use cavities in man-made structures. The nest is typically lined with soft materials such as feathers and plant fibers. The female lays anywhere between 3 and 11 eggs. She alone incubates the eggs, but both parents help tend to and feed the young after they hatch. They typically produce 2 or 3 broods per breeding season.
Song
A rich, soft (but far-carrying) hoo-hoo-hoo.
Migration
The Eurasian Hoopoe exhibits a wide range of migratory behaviors depending on location. Northern and central European populations are strongly migratory, traveling south to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter, while birds in warmer regions of southern Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia may remain year-round residents. Migration typically occurs at night, with birds moving individually or in small groups. Spring migrants return to breeding grounds from March through May, while autumn migration generally takes place from August through October. During migration, Eurasian Hoopoes may appear in unusual habitats and are occasionally recorded well outside their normal range.
For any vagrants that happen to be found in North America, the Eurasian Hoopoe would be very distinctive and easily identified.
Conservation Status
Although some regional populations have declined due to habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and reduced availability of nesting sites, the species remains widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Overall population trends are considered stable enough that it is not currently regarded as globally threatened. The IUCN lists the Eurasian Hoopoe as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information
Photo by Greg Schechter - November 14th, 2011 - Tel Aviv, Israel - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
