Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
Primary tabs
From John Hunt's "British ornithology : containing portraits of all the British birds including those of foreign origin which have become domesticated" (1815) (CC-BY Biodiversity Heritage Library)
Looks like
The hoopoe is a very distinct bird that can be easily recognised by its crest and its broad black and white wings. The head and the neck are light brown to buff. The hoopoe is a medium-sized bird (ca. 27cm).
It has a long and thin beak with which it catches insects (e.g. crickets, beetles), worms and other invertebrates.
The hoopoe has a very characteristic voice which sounds like a repeated, rhythmic "hoop-hoop-hoop".
Where and when to spot it
Within the city it prefers small forests and parks with high trees. It can be heard and seen in early spring, when it migrates from Africa to Europe.
Interesting facts
One of the favourite foods of the hoopoe is the mole cricket!
