Eurasian Hoopoe Bird Details
Upupa epops
Eurasian Hoopoe
NA
Carl Linnaeus, 1758
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Upupidae
Upupa
Europe: Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and parts of the Balkans.
Asia: Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, China, and parts of Russia (Siberia).
Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Appearance :
The Eurasian Hoopoe is a distinctive bird with a long, slender, curved bill and a conspicuous erectile crest on the head. Its plumage is a combination of buff, black, and white, with broad black and white stripes on the wings and tail.
Behaviour :
Known for its distinctive "hoop-hoop-hoop" call, the Hoopoe is often seen probing the ground with its long bill in search of insects. It's known for its elaborate courtship displays and nesting behaviors.
Habitat :
Eurasian Hoopoes prefer semi-open habitats with trees, including savannas, woodlands, farmlands, and gardens. They can adapt to human-altered landscapes.
Diet :
They primarily feed on insects, especially beetles, caterpillars, and ants, which they catch by probing the ground with their bill.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They breed across much of their range and are known to migrate seasonally.
Population Size :
Considered widespread and locally common throughout much of their range.
Life Span :
Live up to around 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- The Eurasian Hoopoe has a distinctive appearance with a long, slender body and a noticeable erectile crest on the head.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 2.5-3.0 cm (1.0-1.2 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is adorned with a prominent crest that can be raised or lowered.
- Bill: The bill is long, slender, and slightly curved, adapted for probing into the ground for insects. The bill is approximately 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 inches) long.
Length :
About 25 to 29 cm (10 to 11.5 inches).
Neck :
The neck of the Hoopoe is short and thin, blending smoothly into the body.
Size :
It is a medium-sized bird with a robust body relative to its length.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is broad and has black and white stripes, which are particularly noticeable in flight.
- Tail Length: The tail length is about 9-12 cm (3.5-4.7 inches).
Weight :
Between 50 to 100 grams (1.8 to 3.5 ounces).
Wing :
The wings of the Eurasian Hoopoe are rounded, aiding in agile flight patterns.
Wing Span :
44 to 48 cm (17 to 19 inches).
Facial Feature :
It has a distinctive facial pattern with a black stripe extending from the base of the bill through the eye and a white stripe above it.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest of the Eurasian Hoopoe is typically located in cavities, such as tree hollows, crevices in walls, or sometimes in artificial structures like nest boxes. They do not build elaborate nests but rather modify the cavity they choose.
- Nest Composition: Inside the cavity, the nest is lined with materials like grass, leaves, feathers, and other soft materials.
Breeding Season :
From April to July in their range.
Nesting Season :
Nest during the breeding period.
Egg Color :
Creamy-white or pale blue-green in color, sometimes with faint speckles.
Egg Length :
About 3.2-3.5 cm (1.3-1.4 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 2.2-2.5 cm (0.9-1.0 inches).
- Egg Weight: Approximately 7-9 grams (0.25-0.32 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Usually ranges from 5 to 8 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically raise one brood per breeding season
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 15-18 days.
Nestling Period :
About 24-28 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
The Eurasian Hoopoe is known for its distinctive "hoop-hoop-hoop" call, often repeated loudly. It also produces a soft, melodious song.
Sex Demorphism :
Male and female Hoopoes have similar plumage and size
Migration Details :
Northern populations of Eurasian Hoopoes typically migrate southward to warmer regions for winter. They begin their migration in autumn, usually from September to October, and return to their breeding grounds in spring, around March to April.
Southern Populations of Eurasian Hoopoes are non-migratory birds.
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