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The Eurasian hoopoe or common hoopoe is the most widespread species of the genus Upupa. It is a distinctive cinnamon coloured bird with black and white wings, a tall erectile crest, a broad white band across a black tail, and a long narrow downcurved bill. Its call is a soft "oop-oop-oop".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Eurasian hoopoe is a medium-sized bird, 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in) long, with a 44–48 cm (17–19 in) wingspan. It weighs 46–89 g (1.6–3.1 oz). The species is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering bill that is black with a fawn base. The strengthened musculature of the head allows the bill to be opened when probing inside the soil. The hoopoe has broad and rounded wings capable of strong flight; these are larger in the northern migratory subspecies.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Common Hoopoe sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Australia, Luxembourg, United States, Singapore, Guernsey, Madagascar, San Marino.
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Learn the Common Hoopoe for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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