Hoopoe

Upupa epops

With its distinctive crown and zebra-striped wings, this eye-catching bird struts across open fields like nature's own rock star.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Hoopoe is a striking bird with a pinkish-brown body, black and white striped wings, and a distinctive fan-like crest. Its long, curved bill is perfect for probing the ground for insects. The crest usually lies flat but raises when the bird is excited or alarmed.

Both sexes look similar, with juveniles appearing duller. The Hoopoe's plumage remains consistent year-round, with no seasonal changes.

Size

Length

25cm to 32cm

Wingspan

44cm to 48cm

Weight

46g to 89g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Black White

Secondary Colour

Pink Orange

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Hoopoe can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Hoopoe is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Hoopoe is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Hoopoe is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Hoopoe can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Hoopoe can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Hoopoe can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Hoopoe is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Hoopoe is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Hoopoe is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Hoopoe is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Hoopoe is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Hoopoes inhabit many open habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, farmlands, and urban parks across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They prefer areas with bare or short-grass patches for foraging.

Hoopoes are summer visitors to many countries in Europe, migrating to Africa for winter. They are rare but regular visitors to the UK, typically during spring migration.

Elevation Range

Up to 3,650 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Hoopoe. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons