The hoopoe (Upupa epops) is a colourful bird found across Afro-Eurasia, notable for its distinctive “crown” of feathers. It is the only extant species in the family Upupidae. Like the Latin name upupa, the English name is an onomatopoeic form which imitates the cry of the bird. The hoopoe is the national bird of Israel.
Fast Facts about Hoopoe
1. Hoopoe is a medium-sized bird that can reach length between 9.8 to 12.6 inches and weight between 1.6 and 3.1 ounces. It has a wingspan of 17.3 to 19 inches.
2. The Upupa epops nest, built in cavities in trees or stonework, pipes, tree forks, even termite mounds, smells terrible: breeding females and growing young smell like rotting meat, and all birds excrete foul smelling liquid from the preen gland. Hoopoes also routinely excrete wastes into the nest.
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3. In flight, Upupa epops, moves with an irregular motion. Just like a butterfly.
4. A Hoopoe defending itself will spray its foul smelling excretions at its opponent.
5. Despite its terrible smell, the Hoopoe is one of the most beautiful bird on earth. Thanks to its beautiful plumage.
6. Hoopoe has long and strong black beak. It is curved and adapted for the feeding on the ground.
7. Hoopoe is a territorial animal. Territory is usually populated with a single mating couple. Male will readily fight with intruders to defend its territory. Fights can be very violent and may end with serious eye injuries that can lead to blindness.
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8. Female is responsible for the nest and for the eggs until the hatching. Male feeds the female during this period.
9. Number of eggs depends on the climate. It can range from 7 to 12 eggs per season. Eggs are milky white in color. They will hatch after incubation period of 15 to 18 days.
10. Average lifespan of hoopoe in the wild is 10 years.
