Madagascar Hoopoe Bird Details
Upupa marginata
Madagascar Hoopoe
NA
Jean Louis Cabanis and Jakob Gottlieb Ferdinand Heine , 1860
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Upupidae
Upupa
Madagascar
Appearance :
The Madagascar Hoopoe is characterized by its distinctive appearance, with a long, thin bill, a prominent crest, and striking plumage featuring bold patterns of black, white, and cinnamon-brown.
Behaviour :
It is known for its habit of foraging on the ground, using its long bill to probe for insects and other invertebrates. It often flicks its wings and tail while foraging.
Habitat :
It inhabits various types of woodland, savannah, and forest edges across Madagascar.
Diet :
The diet of the Madagascar Hoopoe primarily consists of insects, larvae, and other small invertebrates.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
It is endemic to Madagascar, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world.
Population Size :
Considered to have a declining population trend.
Life Span :
Around 10 to 12 years
Body And Tarsus:
- The Madagascar Hoopoe has a distinctive body shape with a long, slender neck, a compact body, and a long, thin tail.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus length of the Madagascar Hoopoe is approximately 4.5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively large and topped with a prominent crest.
- Bill: The bill is long, slender, and slightly downcurved.
- Bill Length: The bill length is approximately 5 cm.
Length :
The total length from bill tip to tail tip is around 25-27 cm.
Neck :
The neck of the Madagascar Hoopoe is long and slender, blending smoothly into the body.
Size :
The Madagascar Hoopoe is a medium-sized bird, comparable to other hoopoe species in size.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long, with distinctive black and white barring on the feathers.
- Tail Length: The tail length is approximately 10-12 cm.
Weight :
Typically around 60-70 grams.
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, suitable for short bursts of flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 44-48 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Madagascar Hoopoe has a distinctive facial pattern with a black crown, white face, and black eyestripe extending back from the eye.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Madagascar Hoopoes nest in tree cavities, often excavating their own nesting holes or using abandoned woodpecker holes.
- Nest Composition: The nest is lined with softer materials such as grass, leaves, and feathers to create a comfortable environment for the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs during the rainy season in Madagascar, which is from October to April.
Nesting Season :
Nesting usually coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
White.
Egg Length :
Approximately 28-30 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 20-22 mm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 6-7 grams.
Clutch Size :
3 to 5 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 15-18 days.
Nestling Period :
Around 24-28 days before the young birds fledge and become independent.
Vocalization :
The Madagascar Hoopoe produces a series of melodious calls, often described as a soft, rolling "hoop hoop hoop" sound.
Sex Demorphism :
n the Madagascar Hoopoe, males and females look similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between sexes based on physical characteristics alone.
Migration Details :
Non-migratory Bird.
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