FaunaHub

Hoopoe (Upupa epops)

BirdInsectivoreMigratory

Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops) with its pinkish-brown body, barred wings, and long curved bill.

Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops).

Image: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

The Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops) is one of the most distinctive birds of the Old World — a pinkish-brown bird with boldly black-and-white barred wings and tail, a long, slender, down-curved bill, and a spectacular fan-shaped crest that it can raise into a crown. Its undulating, butterfly-like flight and soft “oop-oop-oop” call (the source of its name) make it equally unmistakable in the air.

Hoopoes are widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and have featured in human culture and folklore for thousands of years.

Note: several hoopoe forms exist across this huge range; details here use the Eurasian hoopoe. Treat general statements as approximate and verify against authoritative sources.

Habitat & Range

Hoopoes favour open and semi-open country with bare or lightly vegetated ground for feeding and holes for nesting — farmland, orchards, vineyards, pastures, parkland, and warm scrub. They are found across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa; northern populations are migratory, wintering in warmer regions.

Diet

Hoopoes are insectivores that feed mainly on the ground, using the long curved bill to probe soil, dung, and leaf litter for insects and their larvae — especially large prey such as beetle grubs, mole crickets, and caterpillars. They also take other invertebrates and occasionally small reptiles. They often deal with large prey by bashing it before swallowing.

Behavior

The hoopoe raises its crest when alarmed or excited and folds it back at rest. It nests in cavities — tree holes, walls, or banks — and is notable for its pungent nest defence: the female's preen gland produces a foul-smelling secretion, and nestlings can direct droppings at intruders, both of which deter predators. Despite this, hoopoes are widely regarded with affection and fascination.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Hoopoes have a rich place in human culture, appearing in ancient Egyptian art, the Bible and the Quran, classical literature, and folklore across their range; the hoopoe is the national bird of Israel. They are generally welcomed for eating garden and farmland pests. Many populations are stable, though changes in farming and habitat can affect them locally. Consult authoritative sources for current status.

More photos of the hoopoe

A hoopoe in flight, showing its broad black-and-white banded wings.

Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops) in flight.

Image: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Hoopoe

How did the hoopoe get its name?
From its call. The hoopoe's soft, far-carrying "oop-oop-oop" song is the origin of both its English name and its scientific name, Upupa epops — both are essentially imitations of the sound it makes.
What is the hoopoe's crest for?
The fan-shaped crest is used in communication and display. The bird usually keeps it folded back, but raises it into a striking crown when alarmed, excited, or displaying — for example on landing or during interactions with other hoopoes.
What do hoopoes eat?
Mostly insects taken from the ground. Using its long, curved bill, a hoopoe probes soil, dung, and litter for grubs, mole crickets, caterpillars, and beetles, plus other invertebrates and the odd small reptile. It often strikes large prey against the ground before eating it.
Why do hoopoe nests smell bad?
It's a defence. During breeding, the female's preen gland produces a foul-smelling secretion, and the nestlings can squirt droppings at intruders. Together these make the nest unpleasant and help deter predators and parasites — an unusual but effective strategy.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.