The hoopoe bird (Upupa epops) is a colorful bird found across Afro-Eurasia, from Europe to Asia to Africa. Here is a quick overview of where hoopoe birds live:
Native Range
The hoopoe is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its breeding range stretches from southern Europe across parts of central Asia and the Middle East into northern Africa. Some key areas where hoopoe birds can be found include:
- Spain, Portugal, and southern France
- Across southern Europe into Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and Iran
- Parts of central Asia like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
- Northwest Africa in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia
The hoopoe is mostly a summer visitor to northern Europe. It migrates south for the winter.
Habitats
Hoopoes occupy a variety of open and semi-open habitats. Key habitats include:
- Open forests
- Grasslands
- Farmland
- Scrublands
- Desert oases
They like areas with short grass where they can forage for insects. Hoopoes also need vertical surfaces like trees in which to nest in cavities or crevices. They are often found along forest edges and will use orchards.
Range Expansions
While hoopoes are native to southern Europe, Asia, and Africa, their range has expanded in some areas through introductions. Places where hoopoes have been introduced include:
- Canada and the United States
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Hawaii
There are now small breeding populations established in parts of North America like Florida and the Pacific Northwest as a result of these introductions.
Migration
Hoopoes are migratory over much of their range. Birds breeding in Europe and central Asia migrate south for the winter into north Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Key wintering grounds include:
- Northern and eastern Africa
- Middle East
- Pakistan and northern India
Some hoopoe populations like those in southern Europe and North Africa are resident year-round. But most hoopoes migrate medium to long distances between breeding and wintering areas.
Population and Conservation Status
Hoopoes remain fairly common across much of their native range. Their global population is estimated at 2.7-10 million individuals. Their population is believed to be stable and they are listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
However, hoopoes have experienced declines in parts of northern and western Europe. Loss of habitat and nesting sites are major threats. They are a protected species in some European countries. Ongoing conservation programs aim to provide habitat and restore breeding populations.
Interesting Facts About the Hoopoe Bird
Here are some key facts about the beautiful and iconic hoopoe bird:
- The hoopoe is the national bird of Israel and the state bird of the Indian state of Punjab.
- Its distinctive crown of feathers can be raised and lowered using muscles in the scalp. When open, the crest resembles a pinkish-brown mohawk!
- This crown may help the hoopoe stay cool by regulating heat loss from its head.
- Hoopoes sunbathe by spreading out their wings and tail. This posture may help rid the plumage of parasites.
- Their diet consists mainly of insects, larva, and worms. But they also eat seeds and berries.
- Hoopoes nest in tree holes, nest boxes, and ruins. The nest is unlined and has a very foul smell to deter predators.
- The birds have an unpleasant odor themselves that comes from the uropygial gland on the tail.
- The hoopoe is the only extant species in its scientific family Upupidae.
- Its exotic appearance has inspired myths and stories in many cultures. It appears in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.
- The flamboyant hoopoe was chosen as the national bird of Israel in 2008 in a poll of over 500,000 Israeli citizens.
Hoopoe Bird Identification
Hoopoes are easy to identify by their distinctive appearance. Some key identification features include:
- Bright pinkish-brown body plumage.
- Black and white striped wings and tail.
- Long pinkish bill that is slightly decurved.
- A prominent erectile crest on the head that looks like a mohawk!
- Fanned out crown feathers form a “pompadour” when raised.
- Bulbous shape with full crest creates a hump-backed outline.
- In flight, white wings flashed with black bars are visible.
- Song is a repetitive hoop-hoop-hoop sound.
The hoopoe’s pink-and-black plumage and funky crown make it unlikely to be confused with any other species. Even their silhouette in flight is highly distinctive compared to other birds.
Hoopoe Bird Behavior
Hoopoes have some interesting behaviors and habits:
Foraging
- Hoopoes forage for insects and larvae on the ground. They probe into soil and grass with their long bills.
- They often forage in open habitats like pastures and lawns. Their short, rounded wings provide rapid and agile flight to catch insects.
- They will also forage among trees and may occasionally catch insects in flight.
- Hoopoes will sunbathe after rain to drive ants and other prey out of hiding.
Breeding
- Hoopoes are monogamous and pair bonds may persist for multiple breeding seasons.
- The male establishes a nesting territory then attracts a female by display flights and ritual feeding.
- Hoopoes use cavities in trees, cliffs, walls, or nest boxes for nesting. They line the nest with grass, leaves and feathers.
- A single clutch of 6-10 eggs is laid. The female alone incubates the eggs.
- Both parents feed the hatchlings. Young leave the nest after about 30 days.
Anting
- “Anting” is a behavior where birds rub insects like ants over their plumage.
- It is thought to help get rid of parasites. The formic acid produced by ants may deter lice and mites.
- Hoopoes will ant by lying on anthills and allowing the ants to swarm through their feathers.
Where to See Hoopoe Birds
Here are some top places to spot hoopoes in the wild:
Europe
- Spain – Extremadura, Andalusia
- France – Camargue
- Hungary – Hortobágy National Park
- Greece – Lake Kerkini
Asia
- Israel – Agamon Hula, Neot Semadar
- Jordan – Dana Biosphere Reserve
- India – Keoladeo National Park, Sultanpur National Park
- Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan – Amu-Darya Delta
Africa
- Morocco – Souss-Massa National Park
- Tunisia – Djerba Island
- Ethiopia – Awash National Park
- Tanzania – Lake Manyara National Park
Some top spots to find hoopoes during migration are Israel’s Hula Valley in spring and Agadir in Morocco in autumn.
Conclusion
In summary, the colorful hoopoe is widely distributed across southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. It inhabits open forests, grasslands, and farmland where it forages on the ground for insects. Hoopoes are migratory over much of their range, wintering in Africa and South Asia. Their distinctive appearance, crown feathers, and interesting behaviors make them a favorite bird for birders and nature enthusiasts to observe. With a little fieldcraft, you can spot hoopoes across their resident and migratory range.
