Upupa epops - Hoopoe
Feather characters. Barbule length varies from short until long (0.9-2.5 mm). Barbules are divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Vase-shaped nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (21-28 per mm). They are all about the same size, slightly decreasing towards distal end. Occasionally, nodes on distal end may look slightly thickened. On distal end of barbules nodal structures may be hard to discern. Villi are absent and internodes are occasionally kinked. Minute prongs are present on distal end of barbules and on both sides of the pennulum.
Field characters. Size 27 cm. Weight 61 g (41.0-83.0) (Dunning, 1993). Unmistakable due to its large erectile crest and bold black and white wing pattern. Head, upperparts down to lower mantle, and underparts down to belly cinnamon-pink; somewhat brighter rufous on black-tipped crest, browner on upperparts, and more chestnut on underparts; vent white; wings and tail black, with inverted "U"-shaped white bar on tail, and 5 white bars across folded wing which merge with 3 orange-buff bars on black across back and white band across rump. In flight, shows a broad bands across back and secondaries; distinctly fingered primaries have white region on apical half. Bill long and decurved. Juvenile similar, but duller and with shorter bill. Flight characteristic: highly erratic, reminiscent of butterfly.
Voice. Most common note is a hollow, soft, low-pitched "poo-poo-poo"; in addition utters chuckling and mewing notes.
Distribution. Very common breeding bird in south-western part of Europe; rare elsewhere. Winters outside Europe, except in southernmost part of the range. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Prefers a dry, warm climate and open country with plenty of bare or poorly vegetated soil. However, trees or rocks must be present to offer shade and for perching and nesting purposes.
Food. Predominantly larvae and insects; but depending on availability, also other terrestrial invertebrates and small terrestrial cold-blooded vertebrates. Exclusively a ground-feeder. Prey is caught by pecking off surface, by turning objects and by probing.